A programmable photoelectric sensor and a system for programming/controlling the photoelectric sensor and for monitoring the performance of the photoelectric sensor. The system includes a processor coupled to the photoelectric sensor, which is operative for generating at least one graphical user interface and for programming/adjusting the operation of the photoelectric sensor; and a display device coupled to the processor for displaying the graphical user interface. The processor programs/adjusts the operation of the photoelectric sensor in accordance with selections of an operator utilizing icons displayed on the graphical user interface.