Dolibarr ERP/CRM is a powerful open-source software designed to simplify and centralize business processes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its modular architecture allows businesses to customize their ERP/CRM suite according to their specific needs, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution. With hundreds of built-in and third-party modules, Dolibarr can handle everything from invoicing and accounting to inventory, human resources, and e-commerce.
In this extensive guide, we will explore the best Dolibarr modules in 2025 to help you optimize your business operations. Whether you're just getting started with Dolibarr or looking to expand its functionality, this article will provide detailed insights on essential and advanced modules tailored for SMEs.
Understanding Dolibarr Modules
Modules in Dolibarr are like building blocks. Each module adds a set of features or tools that can be activated or deactivated based on your business needs. This modularity keeps the interface clean and ensures that you only use the functions relevant to your workflow.
Modules fall into two categories:
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Core Modules: Included in the Dolibarr package and maintained by the core development team.
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External Modules: Available through the Dolistore (Dolibarr's official marketplace), developed by third-party contributors.
Essential Modules for Every SME
These modules form the foundation of any Dolibarr installation and are critical for day-to-day business activities.
1. Third Parties (Customers & Suppliers)
The "Third Parties" module is the backbone of Dolibarr. It allows you to manage all external entities your business interacts with, including customers, suppliers, and prospects. It centralizes contact details, history of transactions, notes, tags, and custom fields.
Why it's important:
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Centralized customer and supplier data.
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Simplified communication and follow-ups.
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Seamless integration with other modules like Invoicing and Orders.
2. Invoicing and Billing
The "Invoices" module enables you to create, send, track, and manage customer invoices. It supports multiple currencies, tax rules, discount handling, and payment tracking.
Key features:
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Automatic invoice generation from orders.
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Recurring invoice options.
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Integration with accounting and payment modules.
3. Proposals and Quotations
Generating quotes for potential clients is a routine task for most SMEs. This module lets you create professional quotations with custom templates, track status, and convert them directly into orders.
Benefits:
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Accelerates sales cycles.
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Improves client communication.
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Reduces manual work.
4. Orders (Customer and Supplier)
Manage both sales and purchase orders efficiently. You can track the status of orders, generate associated documents (delivery notes, invoices), and ensure synchronization between departments.
Why it matters:
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Better supply chain management.
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Automated transitions from quote to invoice.
5. Products and Services
This module helps you manage your product and service catalog, including pricing, descriptions, VAT rules, and stock references.
Notable capabilities:
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Multiple pricing levels.
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Bundle management.
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Barcode integration.
Financial and Accounting Modules
Accounting is a critical area for SMEs. Dolibarr offers several modules to help automate and streamline financial operations.
6. Accounting (Double-entry or Simple)
Dolibarr supports basic and double-entry accounting depending on the country configuration.
Core functions:
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Chart of accounts management.
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Journal entries.
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Profit & loss and balance sheet reports.
7. Bank/Cash
Track payments, manage bank accounts, and record cash transactions.
Features include:
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Bank statement reconciliation.
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Payment tracking linked to invoices.
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Multi-currency support.
8. Expense Reports
Enable employees to submit expense claims with receipts and justifications.
Advantages:
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Simplifies reimbursement process.
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Expense approval workflow.
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Export options for accounting.
9. Taxes and VAT Management
Configure different VAT rules, tax rates, and country-specific regulations. Useful for international businesses.
Highlights:
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Automatic tax calculations.
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Periodic VAT return reports.
Inventory, Logistics, and Stock Management Modules
Effective inventory control is vital for SMEs dealing with physical goods.
10. Stock
Manage stock levels, warehouses, movements, and stock valuation.
What it offers:
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Stock alerts and thresholds.
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Inventory tracking per warehouse.
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FIFO/LIFO cost methods.
11. Warehouse
Allows you to manage multiple storage locations, assign products, and monitor logistics operations.
Good for:
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Businesses with multiple sites.
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Reducing storage inefficiencies.
12. Shipments and Delivery Notes
Create and track shipments, print delivery notes, and notify customers.
Useful for:
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Order fulfillment.
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Logistic coordination.
Human Resources (HR) and Team Management Modules
Managing people and their roles is essential for any growing company.
13. Users & Permissions
Create and manage users, assign roles, and control access to different areas.
Important because:
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Enhances security.
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Enforces internal controls.
14. Leave/Holidays Management
Track employee leave requests, public holidays, and balances.
Why use it:
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Paperless leave process.
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Transparency in HR operations.
15. Recruitment Module (External)
From job postings to candidate evaluations, this module streamlines recruitment.
Key aspects:
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Applicant database.
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Interview scheduling.
Project and Task Management Modules
Dolibarr can also act as a project management tool.
16. Projects
Organize, monitor, and manage your projects in stages.
Includes:
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Gantt chart view.
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Milestones and progress tracking.
17. Tasks
Break down projects into manageable tasks, assign them to users, and track completion.
Boosts:
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Accountability.
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Workflow clarity.
18. Timesheets
Let users log time spent on tasks and projects.
Essential for:
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Time billing.
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Productivity analysis.
Sales, Marketing, and CRM Modules
19. Commercial Actions
Track follow-ups, sales calls, appointments, and meeting notes.
Ideal for:
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Sales pipeline visibility.
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Improved follow-through.
20. Emailing
Create and send newsletters or promotional emails.
Supports:
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HTML templates.
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Contact segmentation.
21. Ticketing (External Module)
Customer support ticketing system integrated with client records.
Improves:
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Client satisfaction.
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Internal coordination on issues.
22. Surveys (External)
Conduct internal or customer-facing surveys.
Can be used for:
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Feedback collection.
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Market research.
E-Commerce and Online Sales Modules
23. OpenCart/PrestaShop/Magento Connectors
Sync products, orders, and customers with e-commerce platforms.
Benefits:
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Unified inventory.
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Automated order handling.
24. Stripe/PayPal Integration
Facilitate online payments and link them with invoices.
Why integrate:
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Faster payments.
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Better user experience.
Reporting and Business Intelligence
25. Advanced Reports
Create custom reports or use prebuilt templates.
Examples:
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Sales trends.
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Profitability analysis.
26. Dashboards
Visualize KPIs and metrics in real time.
Helpful for:
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Quick business overview.
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Informed decision-making.
27. Dolibarr Connector for Excel (External)
Export and manipulate Dolibarr data in Excel with formulas and charts.
Perfect for:
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Detailed analytics.
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Budget planning.
Other Noteworthy Modules
28. Document Management
Store and organize files related to customers, invoices, and projects.
29. Electronic Signature
Sign documents digitally within Dolibarr.
30. GDPR Compliance
Manage personal data with consent logs and anonymization options.
31. Multi-company Module (External)
Manage multiple businesses with isolated data sets.
Must-have for:
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Business groups.
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Franchise operations.
Choosing the Right Modules for Your Business
The number of modules available might be overwhelming. Here's how to choose:
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Start with Core Needs: Invoicing, contacts, and products are essential.
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Consider Growth: If you're expanding, include project management, HR, and e-commerce.
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Think Integration: Choose modules that reduce duplication of data entry.
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Evaluate User Roles: Activate modules based on team responsibilities.
Conclusion
Dolibarr is more than just ERP/CRM software; it’s a customizable business platform. By choosing the right modules, you can shape it into a solution that precisely matches your operations. From managing sales and inventory to tracking HR and finances, Dolibarr modules cover every critical area of SME management.
This guide has covered 30+ top modules you should consider in 2025. The right mix will depend on your business model, workflow complexity, and future goals. Begin with the basics, test new modules gradually, and leverage the growing ecosystem through Dolistore.
Stay updated with module developments and community insights to continuously enhance how you run your business.