Efficient reporting is critical for any business aiming to monitor performance, make informed decisions, and optimize operations. While Dolibarr ERP/CRM offers a broad range of standard reports out of the box, many organizations need customized reports tailored to their specific operational, financial, or strategic requirements.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to create custom reports in Dolibarr, from basic internal tools to advanced methods involving SQL, external integrations, and module development. Whether you are a business manager, an IT specialist, or a Dolibarr integrator, this guide will provide everything you need to build powerful, actionable reports.

Why Custom Reports Matter

• Tailored Insights: Focus on KPIs relevant to your business model.

• Enhanced Decision Making: Provide management and teams with accurate, timely data.

• Process Optimization: Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities.

• Regulatory Compliance: Generate reports that meet industry or legal standards.

Custom reports transform Dolibarr from a good tool into a strategic asset.

Native Reporting Features in Dolibarr

Before creating custom reports, it’s important to understand the native reporting capabilities Dolibarr already offers:

• Sales reports (invoices, orders, proposals)

• Purchase reports (supplier invoices, orders)

• Financial reports (bank reconciliation, cash flow)

• Stock and inventory reports

• Human resources reports (leave, expense reports)

Access via:

Home > Reports

While these are sufficient for many businesses, custom needs often arise.

Methods for Creating Custom Reports in Dolibarr

1. Using the Dolibarr Built-in Custom Reporting Tools

a) Search and List Exports

Almost every list view (e.g., third parties, invoices, products) allows you to:

• Apply filters

• Choose visible fields

• Export filtered results (CSV, Excel)

Workflow:

• Navigate to any module (e.g., Invoices > List)

• Apply filters (date, customer, amount)

• Export results

Pros:

• No technical knowledge required

• Quick ad hoc reports

Cons:

• Limited layout and formatting

• Not fully automated

b) Modules like "Data Export"

Some Dolibarr installations include or add the "Data Export" module, which enables predefined extraction templates.

Use cases:

• Standard monthly reports

• Exporting financial data for external analysis

2. Creating Custom SQL Reports (Most Powerful)

Dolibarr includes a "SQL Reports" feature allowing the creation of fully customized reports using SQL queries.

Steps to Create SQL Reports:

1. Navigate to:

Home > Tools > SQL Reports

2. Click "New Report"

3. Define:

• Title

• Description

• SQL Query

4. Set access permissions:

• Public

• Private

• Group-specific

5. Save and run the report

Example SQL Query:

SELECT s.rowid, s.nom, f.amount, f.datef
FROM llx_societe as s
INNER JOIN llx_facture as f ON f.fk_soc = s.rowid
WHERE f.paye = 0
ORDER BY f.datef ASC;

This example fetches unpaid invoices per customer.

Tips:

• Always test queries outside Dolibarr first (e.g., phpMyAdmin).

• Use Dolibarr’s database prefix (llx_ by default).

• Keep SQL efficient (especially for large datasets).

Pros:

• Highly flexible

• Full database access

• Custom calculations possible

Cons:

• Requires SQL knowledge

• Potential security risks if not properly managed

3. Developing Custom Modules for Reports

If your reporting needs are complex (e.g., advanced visualization, dashboards, cross-module reporting), you may develop a custom Dolibarr module.

Module Development Workflow:

• Create module skeleton (use Dolibarr's Module Builder).

• Define tables, permissions, menus.

• Embed SQL queries or business logic.

• Create templates for report rendering (using Dolibarr’s PHP and Smarty frameworks).

Useful Files:

• modMyCustomReport.class.php

• myreport.php

• tpl/myreport.tpl.php

Pros:

• Seamless integration

• Full customization (design, export formats, graphs)

• Maintainable and upgrade-safe

Cons:

• Requires PHP/Smarty development skills

• Longer implementation time

4. Using External Business Intelligence (BI) Tools

Dolibarr’s open architecture allows connection to external tools for advanced reporting.

Popular options:

• Google Data Studio

• Metabase

• Tableau

• Power BI

• Apache Superset

How to Connect:

• Expose Dolibarr’s MySQL/MariaDB database securely.

• Configure external BI tool to connect to Dolibarr DB.

• Build dashboards and reports.

Pros:

• Advanced visualizations

• Cross-data source reporting

• Drill-down and interactivity

Cons:

• Additional cost (for some tools)

• Requires good understanding of database structure

Best Practices for Custom Reporting

• Security First: Restrict access to sensitive data.

• Keep Reports Lightweight: Avoid heavy queries that slow down the system.

• Optimize SQL Queries: Use indexes and limit results.

• Version Control Your Reports: Especially when using SQL reports.

• Backup Before Modifications: Always.

• Use Meaningful Names and Descriptions: So users understand reports easily.

• Automate Regular Exports: Use cron jobs or external scripts if needed.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Complex Data Relationships

Challenge: Dolibarr's database structure can be intricate (e.g., multi-currency, multicompany).

Solution:

• Study the entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs) of Dolibarr.

• Use joins carefully.

2. Data Volume

Challenge: Large datasets can slow reports.

Solution:

• Paginate outputs.

• Summarize or aggregate data where possible.

3. Keeping Reports Up to Date

Challenge: Changes in Dolibarr schema after upgrades.

Solution:

• Monitor Dolibarr’s changelog.

• Update custom reports accordingly.

4. User Training

Challenge: Staff may not understand how to use or interpret custom reports.

Solution:

• Create documentation or brief user training.

• Provide sample usage scenarios.

Real-World Examples

a) Monthly Sales Performance Report

Track:

• Sales per customer segment

• Top-selling products

• Profit margins

Built using:

• SQL Reports

• Scheduled exports to Excel

b) Inventory Health Report

Highlights:

• Stock rotation rates

• Dead stock (no sales in X months)

• Reorder points approaching

Built using:

• Custom module with graphical indicators

c) Financial Summary for Management

Includes:

• Receivables aging

• Payables aging

• Monthly cash flow

Built using:

• External BI tool connected to Dolibarr

Conclusion

Custom reports in Dolibarr transform raw data into powerful business intelligence assets. Whether through simple exports, SQL scripts, custom modules, or external integrations, Dolibarr gives you the flexibility to design reporting solutions that fit your exact needs.

Start small by using built-in export and filter tools. Then, as your requirements grow, explore SQL reports, module development, and external BI integrations to maximize the power of your Dolibarr ERP system.

With solid custom reporting practices in place, your business will gain deeper visibility, drive smarter decisions, and maintain a strong competitive edge.