A color calibration job identification system and method are provided, wherein the job identification data is encoded on a printed page, in a patch code, along with color targets, according to a protocol and format approximately identical to a format of the color targets. The patch code comprises a first portion, including a start code, and a second portion, including job identification data. The first portion of the patch code is comprised of two or more small color patches, each having a predefined color. The second portion of the patch code is comprised of two or more small color patches wherein each of the patches is comprised of a color selected from a plurality of colors, wherein each of the colors is indicative of a unique datum value, preferably an octal digit. The system provides a means for determining correct functioning of a printer and a means for determining an orientation of a printed page in a scanning device.