The primary achievement of the Milestone system is creation of a self-regulating, customer focused, outcome driven service delivery system that resembles a business transaction. This involves several significant aspects. First, it shifts payment from process to outcomes. Second, it creates a consensus on desired outcomes between customer, agency and vendors that incorporates the latest research and best practices data. Finally, it creates a system that is self-correcting, creating a greater tendency to do right rather than wrong.
Milestone based funding naturally stresses outcomes.
Vendors report that staff training takes less time, staff focus more on achieving outcomes for customers, and accounting departments are supportive of employment outcomes. In times of fiscal restraint, this system can reduce inefficiency and accomplish more work with the same resources. The definition of commonly agreed upon outcomes with their subordinate milestones is a revolutionary step in the provision of services. The hourly system created a dual system of implicit and explicit goals and outcomes. The system's explicit goal was career placement in a job of the customer's choice.