A system and method for implementing a real-time state machine with a microcontroller is disclosed. The method includes using a two-stage process, including a configuration stage and a run-time stage, for processing objects for a printing device. The configuration stage is executed prior to the run-time stage, which operates in real-time. During the configuration stage, the system predetermines a state transition list, devices that need to be monitored, devices that need to be controlled, and other variables used during the run-time stage. Once the configuration stage is complete, the system executes the run-time stage in real-time to complete processing of an object for a printing device. By pre-calculating items during the configuration stage, the system reduces the execution time of the run-time stage in real-time. As a result, the performance of the microcontroller in real-time is enhanced.