Having been involved in similar financial arrangements in software automation, years ago, it makes sense. The end user usually doesn't have the expertise to ev

Having been involved in similar financial arrangements in software automation, years ago, it makes sense. The end user usually doesn't have the expertise to even maintain the systems, nor does it make sense for them to do it in-house. Charging per item of work (operating hour or thing processed) allows use of consultants but keeps incentives aligned between all parties (maximize uptime/productivity).