In today’s fast-paced digital marketplace, managing an e-commerce business requires a tightly connected ecosystem of tools that support efficient inventory, orders, accounting, and customer relationship management. Dolibarr ERP & CRM has emerged as a powerful, open-source platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to centralize operations. But to unlock its full potential, businesses that run online stores on PrestaShop, WooCommerce, or Shopify must achieve seamless synchronization between their e-commerce platform and Dolibarr.

This article provides a detailed, practical guide for integrating Dolibarr with these three leading e-commerce solutions. We explore the benefits of integration, technical considerations, available connectors and modules, real-world use cases, and a step-by-step approach to setting up a reliable synchronization pipeline. Whether you’re just starting your e-commerce journey or scaling an established operation, this guide will help you streamline your workflow and reduce manual data entry.

Why Synchronization Matters

Managing product catalogs, stock levels, and orders across multiple platforms can lead to errors, duplicated work, and unhappy customers. Integrating Dolibarr with your online store eliminates many of these pain points:

• Centralized Inventory Management: Maintain consistent stock levels between warehouse and store.

• Order Automation: Import online orders directly into Dolibarr for processing, invoicing, and shipping.

• Unified Customer Records: Synchronize customer data to manage loyalty, communications, and after-sales support.

• Accurate Financial Reporting: Ensure invoices, taxes, and payments are reconciled in one system.

• Real-Time Updates: Keep products, prices, and availability synchronized with no delays.

Overview of Dolibarr ERP & CRM

Dolibarr is a web-based, modular ERP/CRM solution tailored for SMEs. It includes modules for:

• Products and services

• Customers and suppliers

• Proposals, orders, and invoices

• Accounting and payments

• Inventory and stock

• E-commerce integration (via third-party modules)

Its modularity, open-source nature, and active community make it ideal for businesses that need flexibility and customization without high licensing costs.

Choosing the Right E-Commerce Platform to Integrate

Let’s briefly compare the three platforms targeted in this guide:

Each platform can be successfully connected to Dolibarr, but the integration methods vary depending on APIs, modules, and synchronization tools available.

Part 1: Integrating Dolibarr with PrestaShop

Understanding PrestaShop

PrestaShop is an open-source e-commerce CMS popular among European merchants. It’s highly customizable and typically self-hosted.

Integration Tools

1. Dolibarr PrestaShop Connector (Official/Community):

   • Connects via PrestaShop WebService API

   • Imports orders, customers, products

   • Synchronizes stock and pricing

2. Third-Party Modules from Dolistore:

   • Examples: PrestaSync, Dolipresta

   • Support batch imports and cron jobs

   • Allow bidirectional sync (Dolibarr ↔ PrestaShop)

3. Custom API Scripts:

   • Use for fine-tuned control or niche workflows

   • Requires PHP and PrestaShop API knowledge

Setup Steps

1. Enable PrestaShop’s WebService in the back office.

2. Install the connector module in Dolibarr.

3. Configure API keys, store URL, endpoints.

4. Define synchronization rules (products, categories, tax).

5. Run a test sync for a small product batch.

6. Set up cron jobs for regular updates.

Sync Considerations

• Dolibarr becomes the stock “master” or “slave” (choose one direction).

• Tax handling must match between both systems.

• Images and descriptions may require HTML cleanup.

Part 2: Integrating Dolibarr with WooCommerce

What is WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is the leading e-commerce plugin for WordPress. It is ideal for businesses already using WordPress for their website or blog.

Integration Options

1. WooCommerce API Connector (Dolibarr Plugin):

   • Uses WooCommerce REST API

   • Supports customers, products, and orders

   • Can map product variations and attributes

2. Doliwoo or Dolibarr-WooCommerce Bridge:

   • Available on GitHub or Dolistore

   • Easy to install, requires API keys

3. Third-Party Integration Services:

   • Zapier, Integromat (Make.com), N8N

   • Good for simple workflows

Setup Process

1. Enable WooCommerce REST API in WordPress settings.

2. Generate consumer key and secret for your integration.

3. Install the connector module in Dolibarr.

4. Map fields like SKU, category, tax.

5. Test sync with one product and one order.

6. Schedule sync intervals (cron job or manual)

Best Practices

• Keep Dolibarr as your inventory source-of-truth.

• Use UUIDs or consistent SKUs across systems.

• Test on a staging site before syncing production data.

Part 3: Integrating Dolibarr with Shopify

Introduction to Shopify

Shopify is a hosted SaaS platform known for ease of use, security, and fast deployment. It’s suitable for businesses wanting a plug-and-play store with minimal technical setup.

Integration Challenges

• Shopify limits some API functions in lower-tier plans.

• No native Dolibarr connector exists (at time of writing).

Integration Methods

1. Custom Middleware Application:

   • Build a bridge using Shopify Admin API and Dolibarr REST API

   • Recommended for developers or via agency

2. Use a middleware platform:

   • Integromat (Make), Zapier, Pabbly Connect

   • Connect triggers like “New Order” to Dolibarr endpoints

3. API Automation with Scripts:

   • Write Python/PHP scripts to pull/push data periodically

   • Use webhooks for order and inventory updates

Typical Data Flows

• Orders: Shopify → Dolibarr (auto-create invoice/order)

• Products: Dolibarr → Shopify (export catalog)

• Stock: Dolibarr ↔ Shopify (synchronize quantity changes)

Shopify Integration Tips

• Be aware of API rate limits.

• Use “metafields” for custom data if needed.

• Monitor sync status and retry on errors.

Common Integration Elements

Field Mapping

Ensure that common fields such as:

• Product SKU

• Price (incl. VAT or excl.)

• Inventory quantity

• Tax rules

• Customer email and address

...are consistently defined across platforms.

Sync Frequency

• Real-time sync is best for stock and orders

• Batch sync (hourly or daily) can work for catalogs

• Avoid overly frequent syncs that can hit API limits

Security & Performance

• Always use HTTPS and secure API credentials

• Limit API access to essential scopes

• Monitor logs for errors or mismatches

Case Study: A European Retailer Syncing PrestaShop to Dolibarr

Context: An electronics retailer based in France uses PrestaShop for online sales and Dolibarr for ERP.

Implementation:

• Installed Dolipresta module

• Configured category mapping and tax rules

• Synchronized products from Dolibarr to PrestaShop

• Imported online orders into Dolibarr for invoicing

Results:

• Reduced manual entry by 90%

• Orders now processed in under 5 minutes

• Fewer stock discrepancies

Final Thoughts: Building a Unified E-Commerce ERP Stack

Dolibarr’s flexibility makes it an ideal ERP/CRM solution for e-commerce businesses that want control without vendor lock-in. Integrating it with PrestaShop, WooCommerce, or Shopify brings everything under one roof—from inventory and finance to customer support and reporting.

While setup requires technical care—especially in field mapping and API handling—the long-term benefits are significant: time saved, errors reduced, and scalability achieved. Use available modules, test thoroughly, and tailor the integration to your business workflow.

The future of commerce is integrated—and with Dolibarr, you’re already on the right path.