Facility Condition Index (FCI):
A Comprehensive Guide for Facility Managers

Facility managers and maintenance teams rely heavily on data-driven insights to make informed decisions about their properties. Whether dealing with asset management, repairs, renovations, or long-term facility planning, asset metrics are vital. One of the most critical metrics in facilities management is the Facility Condition Index (FCI)—a standardized measure used to assess a facility’s current condition.

FlowPath CMMS is shown in a desktop display, surrounded by relevant icons representing different aspects of computerized maintenance management systems, like work orders, event scheduling, and more.

FCI provides a clear way to evaluate maintenance needs, prioritize repairs, justify budgets, and extend the lifespan of assets. This guide explores Facility Condition Index calculations, its role in facility condition assessments, and how facility managers can use it alongside property condition assessments to optimize resources and costs.

What is the Facility Condition Index?

The Facility Condition Index (FCI) is a widely used metric that quantifies the physical condition of a building by comparing the total cost of necessary repairs to the building’s current replacement value. 

Expressed as a percentage, the FCI helps facility managers understand how much investment is needed to maintain or improve a building's condition.

  • 0-5%: Excellent condition
  • 5-10%: Good condition, minor repairs needed
  • 10-30%: Fair condition, significant repairs required
  • Above 30%: Poor condition, potential replacement needed

A low FCI value indicates a well-maintained facility, whereas a high FCI score suggests increasing levels of deferred maintenance and necessary repairs.

Facility Condition Index is shown on a scale  where an FCI score between 0-5% is excellent, 5-10% is good, 10-30% is fair, and 30-100% is critical.

How to Calculate Your Facility Condition Index

To determine an accurate FCI score, facility managers must follow these steps:

1. Collect Facility Condition Data

Conduct a Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) to identify repair needs.

2. Estimate Repair and Replacement Costs

Calculate the total cost of required maintenance and repairs.

3. Determine the Facility’s Replacement Value

For example, if a facility has $500,000 in deferred maintenance costs and a $5 million replacement value, the FCI would be 10%.

Facility Condition Assessments

Facility managers, engineers, or third-party assessors conduct FCAs to gather critical data on maintenance needs. The assessment should include an evaluation of the current condition of each asset, any needed repairs, suggested replacements, or any areas where safety standards are not met. The insights from these assessments help organizations identify existing issues and develop asset management strategies that align with long-term financial and operational goals.

What is the Difference Between an FCI and an FCA?

While a Facility Condition Index is a numerical score that illustrates the condition of a facility and its assets, a Facility Condition Assessment is the actual evaluation of that facility. An FCA is the complete assessment used to inform facility managers so they can accurately determine the FCI.

Collecting Facilities Condition Data

Accurate data collection is essential for evaluating a facility’s current condition and calculating its Facility Condition Index (FCI). This involves a thorough assessment of structural integrity, mechanical systems, and compliance with safety standards. A facility manager must consider factors such as roof conditions, HVAC system efficiency, plumbing and electrical systems, and interior and exterior deterioration.

This process involves a detailed evaluation of the facility’s current condition, including:

  • Structural elements (roof, foundation, walls)
  • Mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
  • Safety and compliance features
  • Interior and exterior conditions
  • Maintenance history and past repairs

Facility managers can conduct these evaluations through Facility Condition Assessments (FCA), which provide a detailed analysis of existing maintenance issues and future repair requirements. These assessments help identify areas of deferred maintenance and establish a roadmap for corrective actions.

Using Facilities Management Software for Data Collection

Gathering this data manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors. By using a facility management software, you can automate work order tracking, organize asset condition data, provide real-time insights into facility health, and enable preventive maintenance scheduling.

By leveraging FlowPath, an AI-powered facility management software, facility managers can collect more accurate data, reducing deferred maintenance and improving their FCI rating over time.

Ready to dive in?

Contact our team to learn more about FlowPath facilities management software.

How to Interpret and Use an FCI

Facility managers can use an FCI score to guide decision-making in several key areas. A low FCI suggests that a facility is in good condition and requires only minor upkeep, whereas a high FCI signals the need for significant repairs or potential replacement.

By leveraging FCI data, managers can:

  1. Advocate for necessary funding to address maintenance concerns
  2. Develop a long-term maintenance plan to sustain asset value
  3. Implement preventive maintenance programs to extend the life of equipment and infrastructure

For instance, a school district managing multiple campuses can use FCI scores to determine which buildings require immediate attention versus those that need only routine maintenance. Similarly, a municipality overseeing public infrastructure can prioritize projects based on FCI metrics, ensuring that limited funds are allocated efficiently.

How Does FCI Inform Financial Strategy?

By analyzing FCI scores, facility managers can make cost-effective decisions regarding:

  1. Budget allocation for repairs vs. replacements
  2. Reducing unexpected costs with preventive maintenance
  3. Long-term capital planning to enhance facility efficiency

Knowing When to Repair and When to Replace Assets

Determining whether to repair or replace an asset is a common challenge in facilities management. FCI provides a data-driven approach:

  1. Low FCI: Indicates repair is more cost-effective.
  2. High FCI: Suggests replacement may be a better financial decision.

Using FlowPath’s AI-powered analytics, facility managers can track repair frequency and costs, helping them decide whether continued maintenance or full asset replacement is the best option.

Why is Knowing Your Facility Condition Index Important?

Understanding a facility’s condition index allows managers to plan and prioritize maintenance effectively. Facilities with high FCI scores require immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration, while those with lower scores can focus on preventive maintenance strategies to maintain optimal performance.

A well-maintained facility reduces operational disruptions, enhances safety, and extends the lifespan of assets. By proactively addressing maintenance needs, facility managers can allocate budgets efficiently and avoid costly emergency repairs.

What Are the Impacts and Risks of a High FCI?

A high FCI value signifies a facility in poor condition, which can have serious consequences. Buildings with high levels of deferred maintenance face:

  • Escalating repair costs due to worsening conditions
  • Increased safety hazards that put occupants at risk
  • Reduced operational efficiency, leading to downtime and lost productivity
  • Lower asset value, making it harder to justify continued investment

For organizations such as K-12 schools, universities, municipalities, retail businesses, and manufacturing plants, a poor building condition can impact business operations, occupant satisfaction, and long-term financial planning.

Leveraging Capital Planning Software to Improve FCI

Capital planning software, similar to FlowPath’s CMMS, helps facility managers improve their Facility Condition Index by:

  • Automating work orders to streamline maintenance tasks
  • Tracking asset conditions in real-time
  • Scheduling preventive maintenance to reduce costly breakdowns
  • Providing predictive insights into future maintenance needs

By integrating FlowPath’s AI-powered CMMS, facility managers can proactively manage maintenance needs, optimize budgets, and ensure their buildings remain in top condition.

Improve Your Facility Condition Index with FlowPath

With FlowPath’s facility management software, facility managers can shift from reactive to proactive maintenance, extend asset lifespans, and optimize resource allocation.

Modern CMMS image

With FlowPath, you can improve your FCI by:

  • Automating Work Orders: Streamline maintenance tasks and reduce downtime.
  • Tracking Progress: Monitor repairs in real-time to ensure timely completion.
  • Predictive Maintenance: Identify potential failures before they occur to prevent costly breakdowns.

Ready to find out how FlowPath can improve your FCI and transform your maintenance strategy? Schedule a demo today and see how our AI-powered computerized maintenance management system can help your team work smarter, not harder.

Ready to dive in?

Schedule a demo with our sales team and we can get into your specifics.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.