What is Value Stream Mapping in Facilities Management?

Value stream mapping (VSM) is a Lean Six Sigma technique that visualises every step in a process, measuring the time each step takes and how much of that time adds value versus waste. Applied to facilities management, it reveals where maintenance workflows stall.

Why FM needs value stream mapping

A typical reactive maintenance workflow — from work order creation to completion — can involve 10+ handoffs between systems, people, and approvals. Each handoff introduces wait time. In many organisations, the actual repair takes less than 20% of the total elapsed time.

Key metrics in a value stream map

• Cycle time — Time actively spent working on each step
• Wait time — Time between steps (the hidden waste)
• Process efficiency — Ratio of value-add time to total time
• Throughput — Volume of work orders processed per period

Common FM bottlenecks

VSM typically reveals bottlenecks in:

• Approval chains for work orders above cost thresholds
• Parts procurement and inventory management
• Contractor scheduling and dispatch
• Quality sign-off and close-out documentation

Try it yourself

The Value Stream Mapping tool includes pre-built FM process templates. Map your current state, identify bottlenecks, and model improvements — all in the browser.