FAQs
General
What is DistributeSG?
DistributeSG is a solution used by Singapore Government agencies to track the distribution of goods. It comprises of:
Web-based Admin Portal for organisers to create their campaigns, view live statistics and download distributions reports.
iOS/Android mobile app for distributors to verify eligibility of the recipient collecting the item, give out, and record the distribution.
Recipients can be identified by NRIC numbers, address or any alpha numeric unique identifier (such as HP number, email, staff pass number, ticket number, etc.)
Who uses DistributeSG?
Currently, DistributeSG has be used to enable over 140 campaigns.
It was also used by the the Monetary Authority of Singapore and People’s Association in partnership with the Ministry of Health for the distribution of commemorative coins and masks respectively.
How does DistributeSG work?
Campaign organisers log into the Admin Portal with their gov.sg email addresses.
Campaign organisers set up the items they will be giving out, and upload a list of eligible recipients.
Campaign organisers can also pre-register a list of app users (also known as "distributors"). Alternatively organisers will need to share the location code of their campaign with distributors for them to manually join the campaign.
Distributors will download the mobile app and users simply log in using their mobile number.
Distributors can scan or type the NRIC to search whether a recipient has redeemed their allocated item. If recipients are identified by address, they can enter a postal code or select from a list of eligible recipients (depending on how the campaign organiser has setup the campaign).
Distributors can key in remarks or add photos if required, thereafter click on "Distribute" to give out the item.
While the campaign is ongoing, campaign organisers can search for specific distributions and even view statistics of the campaign. They are also able download the distribution report of a campaign for audit and reporting purposes.
Check out the example campaign setup for a full overview.
Why is my personal data being used to track distribution? Isn’t that not allowed under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)?
While under the PDPA, personal data can only be collected with the user’s consent, PDPA regulations do not apply to the Singapore Government as the use of NRIC is still needed for the delivery of public services by the Singapore Government. For example, in social assistance programmes, NRIC and addresses are needed to track and ensure that every recipient is able to receive their eligible share of such assistance.
For Organisers
Which identifier should I select for my campaign?
Identifiers are a way of uniquely identifying a recipient. In DistributeSG, there are three different identifiers which can be selected. NRIC - Recipients will be identified by their NRIC/FIN. When a recipient comes to the collection point, they will need to give their NRIC number to the staff at the collection point.
Registered Address - Recipients will be identified by their registered address. When a recipient comes to the collection point, they will need to give their postal code, followed by unit number to the staff at the collection point.
Unique Identifier - Recipients will be identified by the unique data that you provide. If you do not want to identify the recipient by NRIC number or Address you may use any alpha-numeric characters. Examples include HP number, email addresses, staff number, ticket number, voucher number. For an overview on how each setup would differ, check out the section on Example campaign setup.
How does Unique Identifier work?
Unique Identifier is any alpha-numeric characters which you will use to uniquely identify a recipient. Examples include HP number, email addresses, staff number, ticket number and voucher number. When a recipient comes to the distribution point, he/she will have to share this unique identifier with the staff to verify eligibility.
For Distributors
Where should I download the DistributeSG mobile app?
You can download the latest version of the DistributeSG mobile app from Apple App store or Google Play store. Please do not download from any other third party store as these are unofficial versions. Please check with the campaign organizer to ensure that you have downloaded the latest app version.
How do I gain access to the DistributeSG mobile or web app to update distributions?
The campaign organiser will have to whitelist your mobile number before hand. Alternatively, the organiser will share with you a six character location code for you to join the campaign. Then, simply log in on your mobile app using your mobile number and One Time Password (OTP) sent to your mobile number.
I get stuck at the “Join Campaign” page. How can I start using the app? How do I proceed?
Please get the location code from any of your colleagues who have already joined a location point successfully. Input the 6 character location code and click Add Location to start using the app.
I have ad hoc volunteers or staff that I need to add urgently to help with distribution. How do I add them?
Please get them to download the app from the app store and login with their mobile number and OTP. After they have logged in, provide them with the location code of the distribution point that they are needed at. Ask them to input the 6 character location code and click Add Location to start using the app to facilitate distributions.
What can the pre-registered app users access? What can ad hoc app users access?
Both pre-registered app users and ad-hoc app users are able to access the same information on the DistributeSG mobile app.
Right now the location shown in the app is different from the one that I am at. How do I change location?
Please follow the following steps:
At the home page, click on the down arrow (v) next to the location that you are currently assigned to.
Alternatively, click on the menu button on the top left hand corner that looks like 3 lines and click on ‘Locations’.
You will then see all the locations that you have been added to. Click on the location that you want to switch to and save changes by clicking on the arrow at the bottom (→)
If you need to add a new location, click on ‘Add another location’ and insert the 6 character location code to join a new location. You can get the location code from any colleague who is already logged in at the location point that you want to distribute from. You can skip this step if all you want to do is to switch location points. You may also check out this guide on how to do so.
I am unable to scan the NRIC barcode and it shows me a dark grey screen. Can you help?
Please make sure that you allow DistributeSG to access the phone camera.
If you’re using an iPhone, go to Settings → scroll down and search for “DistributeSG” → Click on DistributeSG → Allow DistributeSG to Access Camera → Turn on
If you’re using a Samsung phone, go to Settings → Apps → Search “DistributeSG” → App info → Under app settings, click on “Permissions Camera” → Enable
For all other phones, please check settings and go to DistributeSG app settings, and ensure that the camera is enabled.
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