A method for optimizing the configuration of a pick-and-place machine utilizes a genetic algorithm that creates an initial population of possible configurations and selects an optimum configuration based upon lowest cycle time. The method then creates a next generation by selecting possible configurations from the prior generation and randomly mutating instructions. The method compares the mutated configuration having the lowest cycle time from the next generation and the configuration having the lowest cycle time from the prior generation, and selects the optimum configuration. The steps are repeated to evaluate additional generations of mutated configurations. After several mutated generations have been evaluated, the method creates a new initial population and evaluates the new initial population and mutated generations derived therefrom, compares the optimum configuration from the new initial populations with the optimum configuration from the prior initial population, and selects the optimum configuration. In this manner, the method may evaluate several initial populations and mutated generations therefrom in selecting the optimum configuration for use in operating the machine.