How to Integrate Dolibarr with Google Workspace to Boost Your Productivity: A Complete Guide
   04/22/2025 00:00:00     Wiki Dolibarr    0 Comments
How to Integrate Dolibarr with Google Workspace to Boost Your Productivity: A Complete Guide

In the digital era, productivity is driven by smart integrations between business tools. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), freelancers, and nonprofits using Dolibarr ERP/CRM, connecting it to Google Workspace can significantly improve workflow efficiency, collaboration, and information accessibility. In this extensive guide, we'll explore the various ways to integrate Dolibarr with Google Workspace in 2025, walking through practical examples, technical options, tools, and real use cases.

Whether you're managing contacts, emails, documents, calendars, or meetings—bringing Dolibarr and Google Workspace together can centralize your data and help your team work smarter.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Dolibarr and Google Workspace

  2. Why Integrate Dolibarr with Google Workspace?

  3. Prerequisites and Setup Overview

  4. Syncing Contacts with Google Contacts

  5. Integrating Google Calendar with Dolibarr

  6. Linking Google Drive with Dolibarr Document Management

  7. Using Gmail with Dolibarr for Email Tracking

  8. Authentication via Google OAuth (SSO)

  9. Automating Workflows with Google Apps Script and Zapier

  10. Security Considerations

  11. Real-World Use Cases

  12. Final Thoughts and Recommendations


1. Introduction to Dolibarr and Google Workspace

Dolibarr ERP/CRM is an open-source software suite that offers a modular approach to managing business functions including CRM, invoicing, sales, inventory, HR, and more. Its simplicity and flexibility make it ideal for SMEs.

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) is Google’s collection of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools. It includes Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Contacts, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more—all widely used across industries.

Integrating these platforms means that your ERP system will work in harmony with the tools your team already uses daily.

2. Why Integrate Dolibarr with Google Workspace?

Here are some powerful reasons:

  • Centralized information: Avoid duplicating data between systems.

  • Better communication: Seamlessly manage emails and calendar invites from Dolibarr.

  • Improved collaboration: Attach and manage documents stored in Google Drive directly in Dolibarr.

  • Time-saving automation: Automate recurring tasks using Google Apps Script or Zapier.

  • Streamlined user experience: Use Google SSO to log in to Dolibarr.

These integrations can dramatically reduce friction in daily operations.

3. Prerequisites and Setup Overview

Before beginning integration:

  • You must have an active Google Workspace account with admin access.

  • Dolibarr must be installed on a web server with HTTPS enabled.

  • You’ll need access to the Dolibarr admin panel.

  • Familiarity with API keys, OAuth, and basic configuration is helpful.

Some integrations require third-party tools like Zapier, Make.com (Integromat), or custom scripting with Google Apps Script.

4. Syncing Contacts with Google Contacts

Keeping client and supplier contact data synchronized helps your team communicate better.

Option 1: Manual Export/Import

Dolibarr allows CSV export of third parties and contacts:

  • Go to Third Parties > List > Export

  • Choose the fields (Name, Email, Phone)

  • Download the CSV

  • Import it into Google Contacts

Option 2: Using Zapier or Make.com

You can automate two-way sync:

  • Trigger: New contact in Dolibarr

  • Action: Add contact in Google Contacts

Requires Zapier API connector or Dolibarr module exposing webhooks.

Option 3: Custom Google Apps Script

Use a custom script to pull data from Dolibarr via REST API and push to Google Contacts.

5. Integrating Google Calendar with Dolibarr

Google Calendar integration allows you to schedule events, reminders, and project deadlines directly within Dolibarr.

Option 1: iCal Feed

Dolibarr supports exporting calendars in iCal format:

  • Enable the Agenda module

  • Go to Agenda > Export

  • Copy the iCal URL

  • Add it as an external calendar in Google Calendar

This is a one-way sync from Dolibarr to Google.

Option 2: API-based Integration (Two-way)

Use Dolibarr's REST API + Google Calendar API to:

  • Create events from Dolibarr tasks or meetings

  • Sync updates both ways

Requires scripting (e.g., PHP cron job or Google Apps Script).

Option 3: Zapier Automation

Set up:

  • Trigger: New Dolibarr event

  • Action: Create Google Calendar event

  • Or vice versa

6. Linking Google Drive with Dolibarr Document Management

Managing documents centrally is critical for compliance and productivity.

How to Link

  • Use external module (e.g., Dolibarr Google Drive Connector)

  • Authenticate via OAuth to allow access to Google Drive

  • Set default storage folder for Dolibarr-generated documents

Benefits:

  • All quotes, invoices, and project documents automatically saved to Drive

  • Share files directly with clients via Google Drive links

  • Control access via Google permissions

You can even embed Google Docs/Sheets inside Dolibarr modules with iframe support.

7. Using Gmail with Dolibarr for Email Tracking

Email remains a core business function. Integrating Gmail can:

  • Allow sending emails from Dolibarr using your Gmail SMTP

  • Track communications with clients

  • Save sent emails in Gmail ‘Sent’ folder

SMTP Integration Steps:

  • Go to Setup > Emails in Dolibarr

  • Use Gmail SMTP settings:

    • SMTP Server: smtp.gmail.com

    • Port: 587

    • TLS: Enabled

    • Username: your Gmail address

    • App Password: generated from Google Account (with 2FA)

Gmail Add-ons

Consider using the Gmail Chrome extension or Add-on for Dolibarr (if available) to:

  • View Dolibarr contact info within Gmail

  • Create leads or tasks directly from email

8. Authentication via Google OAuth (SSO)

Allowing users to log in using their Google accounts simplifies access and boosts security.

Steps:

  • Register your Dolibarr app in Google Cloud Console

  • Enable OAuth consent screen

  • Generate Client ID and Secret

  • In Dolibarr, enable the OAuth login module

  • Configure Google as identity provider

Note: This may require modifying PHP config or using modules like OAUTH Login by ATM Consulting.

Benefits:

  • One less password to manage

  • Fast onboarding for team members

  • Use Google’s security infrastructure

9. Automating Workflows with Google Apps Script and Zapier

Automation is where real productivity gains happen.

Examples:

  • Automatically create a calendar event when a new task is added in Dolibarr

  • Backup Dolibarr invoices to a Drive folder

  • Send Slack alerts when a new client is added

Tools:

  • Google Apps Script: Custom functions interacting with Google services

  • Zapier: No-code automation

  • Make (Integromat): Visual workflow builder

Dolibarr’s API documentation and webhooks help facilitate these integrations.

10. Security Considerations

When integrating cloud services:

  • Always use secure API connections (HTTPS, OAuth2)

  • Use limited-scope OAuth tokens

  • Store credentials securely (use environment variables)

  • Review Google Admin Console settings for app access

  • Keep Dolibarr and its modules updated

11. Real-World Use Cases

Case 1: Service Company Managing Projects

  • Sync project deadlines from Dolibarr to Google Calendar

  • Upload deliverables to Google Drive folders

  • Share files with clients via links

  • Use Gmail for communication and log all client emails in Dolibarr

Case 2: Sales-Driven Business

  • Sync Dolibarr leads with Google Contacts

  • Use Google Calendar for meeting scheduling

  • Automate follow-up emails using Gmail templates

  • Analyze data in Google Sheets using Dolibarr exports

Case 3: Nonprofit Organization

  • Manage donor records in Dolibarr

  • Store donation receipts in Google Drive

  • Use Google Meet (via Calendar) for donor meetings

  • Share reports via Google Docs

12. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Integrating Dolibarr with Google Workspace in 2025 is not just a technical enhancement—it’s a strategic move. The synergy between a robust ERP system and Google’s collaborative tools creates a digital backbone for modern business operations.

Whether you're using simple connections like email SMTP or advanced automation with Apps Script, every step toward integration reduces manual input, improves consistency, and makes your team faster.

Key Takeaways:

  • Start small (email or contact sync), then expand

  • Use available tools (Zapier, Apps Script, third-party modules)

  • Prioritize security and access control

  • Involve your team in process improvement ideas

By unlocking the potential of Dolibarr + Google Workspace, you’re setting your organization up for smarter, leaner, and more collaborative work.


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