A paper handling system including a gathering path and a plurality of paper handling units. The (114 to 138), said gathering path is defined by a plurality of essentially corresponding modules (102, 200), each of said modules (102, 200) being provided with a collect box (104, 210), a transfer bridge (212) for effecting supply in the direction of transport (106, 202), at least one transfer bridge (214, 216) for effecting supply in a direction transversely to the direction of transport, and a discharge unit (300).