Abstract: In order to verify that a packer box on a binding line has successfully dropped the correct signature onto a gathering chain, a unique system and method are disclosed wherein the system includes utilizing common indicia in a preselected location on each of the signatures to be fed from the packer box and a scanner is provided along the gathering chain generally adjacent the packer box holding the signatures. The scanner is positioned relative to the gathering chain to scan for the common indicia in the region where the preselected location passes when one of the signatures has been fed to the gathering chain to occupy one of the chain spaces thereof, and the information gathered by the scanner is utilized to verify whether a correct one of the signatures occupies the chain space by utilizing the information which is gathered by the scanner.