Customer relationship management (CRM) is at the heart of every business that wants to grow. But many businesses—especially startups, freelancers, and small companies—find traditional CRM software too heavy, expensive, or packed with unnecessary features. If you're looking for a simple, customizable, open-source solution that gives you just what you need, Dolibarr might be the perfect fit.

Dolibarr is a modular ERP and CRM platform. While it's capable of running your entire business, from accounting to inventory, you can easily strip it down and use it just as a CRM. In this guide, you'll learn how to turn Dolibarr into a lightweight CRM in just 15 minutes.

What Makes Dolibarr Ideal for CRM?

Dolibarr stands out as a flexible platform because it's modular. This means you can turn on only the parts you need. If you want to use it just as a CRM, that’s entirely possible—and incredibly easy.

Here’s why Dolibarr works well as a lightweight CRM:

• Free and open-source: No licensing fees. Install it wherever you want.

• Modular system: Activate only CRM-relevant modules.

• Web-based interface: Accessible from any device with a browser.

• Scalable: Start small and add functionality as needed.

• Community support and add-ons: Thousands of users and hundreds of extensions.

Step-by-Step Guide: Set Up Dolibarr as a CRM

Let’s break it down into the steps required to convert Dolibarr into a streamlined CRM.

Step 1: Install Dolibarr (3–5 minutes)

You can install Dolibarr in several ways:

1. On a web hosting provider: Use Softaculous for 1-click installation.

2. On a local machine: Use WAMP, MAMP, XAMPP, or install it manually on Linux.

3. On a VPS or server: Use a LAMP/LEMP stack and download the latest Dolibarr package from dolibarr.org.

4. SaaS option: Use services like DoliCloud if you want a hosted version with no server maintenance.

For the purposes of speed, we’ll assume you used Softaculous or a hosted SaaS version. You should have Dolibarr installed and accessible via your browser.

Step 2: Basic Configuration (2 minutes)

Once installed, log in with your admin account and go to:

• Setup > Company/Organization – Enter your business name, address, logo, and other details.

• Setup > Modules – This is where you customize the system.

Step 3: Activate Only the Necessary CRM Modules (3 minutes)

You want to keep the system light and focused. From the Modules page, enable only the following:

• Third Parties – Manages your customers and prospects.

• Agenda – To manage appointments and interactions.

• Emailing – To send emails to your contacts.

• Notes – Add internal comments or activity logs.

• Tasks (optional) – If you want to track follow-ups.

Disable everything else unless you have specific needs beyond CRM.

Step 4: Set User Roles (1 minute)

If you’re the only user, you can skip this. Otherwise, go to Users & Groups and:

• Create user accounts.

• Assign permissions only to CRM-related modules.

• Limit admin access for security.

You can create roles like “Sales Rep” or “Customer Support” and give them only what they need.

Step 5: Customize Fields and Layout (2 minutes)

Dolibarr allows you to tailor some elements of the CRM experience:

• Go to Setup > Dictionaries to edit lists (e.g., industries, lead sources).

• Use Modules > Third Parties > Setup to modify client categories, numbering, or additional fields.

While not as customizable as Salesforce, Dolibarr gives you just enough to tailor the basics.

Step 6: Start Adding Clients and Leads (2 minutes)

Navigate to the Third Parties module:

• Click “New Third Party” to add a company or individual.

• Choose the type: Customer, Prospect, or Supplier.

• Add contact details, tags, notes, and assign them to a user.

You can also bulk-import contacts via CSV if you're migrating from another tool.

Step 7: Track Interactions and Follow-Ups (2 minutes)

Now that you’ve added contacts, use the CRM features actively:

• Agenda: Log calls, meetings, or to-dos.

• Notes: Keep running logs per client.

• Tasks: Assign reminders or follow-ups for you or your team.

• Emailing: Send newsletters or updates.

You now have a central, searchable history for every contact.

CRM Features You Can Use Right Away

Here are the core CRM features Dolibarr provides out of the box:

Contact Management

• Organize leads, customers, and vendors.

• Attach multiple contacts to each third party.

• Categorize by tags, industries, or regions.

Activity Tracking

• Log meetings, calls, and notes.

• Set reminders for follow-ups.

• Use the agenda for daily planning.

Basic Email Campaigns

• Create email templates.

• Send bulk messages.

• Filter recipients by tags or category.

Team Collaboration

• Assign leads or tasks to users.

• Add internal notes.

• Share contact information securely.

Data Export and Backup

• Export contacts as CSV.

• Integrate with external tools using API or third-party modules.

Optional Enhancements for CRM Use

Dolibarr is extendable. If you find the basics limiting, consider:

• Dolistore CRM Add-ons: More advanced filters, pipeline views, Kanban boards.

• Third-Party Integrations: Email tools, telephony, chat widgets.

• Custom Modules: If you have coding skills or budget.

• Mobile Apps: Unofficial apps are available for Android/iOS.

You can also activate related modules later like Proposals, Orders, or Invoices to gradually transform your CRM into a full client-management suite.

Use Cases for a Lightweight CRM Setup

Dolibarr’s lightweight CRM mode is perfect for:

• Freelancers: Manage clients, track interactions, send updates.

• Small sales teams: Centralize leads and assign follow-ups.

• Service-based businesses: Keep records of client history, calls, tasks.

• Nonprofits: Track donor and volunteer engagement.

• Educational consultants or coaches: Manage students or clients.

Comparison with Other Lightweight CRMs

Final Thoughts

Dolibarr is often overlooked in CRM discussions because it’s primarily branded as an ERP. But don’t let that fool you. With the right setup, it becomes a clean, efficient, and powerful lightweight CRM.

In just 15 minutes, you can:

• Install it

• Configure only CRM modules

• Add users and roles

• Customize your fields

• Start managing clients and tasks

It’s fast, affordable, and flexible. If you’re looking for a CRM solution without the clutter or cost, Dolibarr is well worth your attention.

Whether you're a solo professional, part of a lean sales team, or building a scalable business, Dolibarr offers a CRM foundation that you can grow from—on your own terms, at your own pace.