Integrating Dolibarr ERP & CRM with an external ERP system helps businesses improve efficiency by centralizing data, automating workflows, and synchronizing business processes. Whether connecting Dolibarr to an accounting ERP, a production management system (GPAO), an invoicing tool, or another enterprise software, it is essential to follow a structured methodology and use the right integration tools.

In this article, we will explore the key steps to connect Dolibarr to an external ERP, the available tools, and the best practices to ensure a smooth and efficient integration.

1. Why Connect Dolibarr to an External ERP?

Dolibarr is a modular and flexible ERP capable of handling accounting, sales management, inventory, projects, and human resources. However, some businesses use other ERP solutions for specific needs (advanced accounting, industrial production, warehouse management, etc.). Integrating Dolibarr with an external ERP allows businesses to:

✔ Avoid duplicate data entry and save time.
✔ Automate data synchronization (invoices, stock, customers, orders, etc.).
✔ Improve data consistency and reliability across systems.
✔ Simplify reporting and analytics by consolidating all information.
✔ Enhance process efficiency by optimizing workflows across departments.

2. Defining the Integration Requirements

Before starting the connection between Dolibarr and an external ERP, it is crucial to define clear integration objectives:

• Which modules need to be synchronized? (invoicing, customers, products, inventory, etc.)
• How should data be exchanged? (Dolibarr to ERP, ERP to Dolibarr, or bidirectional)
• Which communication protocol should be used? (REST API, SOAP Web Services, CSV/XML files, specific connectors, etc.)
• What integration tools are available? (Dolibarr includes export modules, REST API, third-party connectors, etc.)
• What should be the synchronization frequency? (real-time, daily synchronization, manual updates, etc.)

Once these points are defined, the best integration method can be chosen.

3. Methods for Integrating Dolibarr with an External ERP

3.1 Using Dolibarr’s REST API

Dolibarr provides a comprehensive REST API, allowing developers to retrieve and send data to an external ERP. This solution is ideal for real-time and dynamic integration.

✅ Advantages:
✔ Seamless and real-time communication.
✔ Automatic data synchronization between both systems.
✔ Enhanced security with OAuth2 authentication and API tokens.

???? Use Case Example: A company wants to synchronize customer orders and invoices in real-time between Dolibarr and an external accounting ERP. A script using the REST API can retrieve new orders from Dolibarr and automatically send them to the external ERP.

3.2 Integration via SOAP Web Services

Some external ERP systems still use SOAP Web Services for data exchange. Dolibarr can be connected to these systems using PHP libraries.

✅ Advantages:
✔ Compatibility with older ERP systems using SOAP.
✔ Possible integration with third-party tools supporting both SOAP and REST.

???? Use Case Example: A proprietary accounting software only accepts SOAP Web Services. A PHP script can retrieve data from Dolibarr using REST, convert it to SOAP format, and send it to the external ERP.

3.3 Data Export and Import via CSV/XML Files

If the external ERP does not support real-time integration through APIs or Web Services, it is possible to use CSV or XML file exports/imports.

✅ Advantages:
✔ Simple and universal method.
✔ Suitable for software without API support.
✔ Can be automated using CRON jobs.

???? Use Case Example: A warehouse management ERP exports a daily CSV file of stock movements, which is then imported into Dolibarr to update available stock levels automatically.

3.4 Using a Middleware or Third-Party Connector

To facilitate integration between Dolibarr and an external ERP, intermediary solutions like Zapier, Integromat (Make), or a dedicated connector can be used.

✅ Advantages:
✔ Simplifies integration without requiring custom development.
✔ Automated workflow management via a visual interface.
✔ Compatible with many ERP solutions on the market.

???? Use Case Example: A company using Dolibarr and SAP Business One wants to sync customer records and orders. A middleware connector transforms and transfers data between the two systems without manual intervention.

4. Securing the Integration and Testing the Connection

Once the integration is in place, it is crucial to secure data exchanges between Dolibarr and the external ERP:

✔ Implement SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt API connections.
✔ Use API keys and OAuth2 authentication for secure access.
✔ Restrict access to only necessary data to prevent data leaks.
✔ Log all transactions to identify potential errors or inconsistencies.
✔ Conduct unit and functional testing before deploying the integration in production.

5. Best Practices for a Successful Integration

✔ Define a detailed project plan before starting the integration.
✔ Involve business teams (accounting, logistics, sales) in the integration process.
✔ Use test environments to validate functionality before going live.
✔ Implement monitoring and maintenance strategies to ensure long-term reliability.
✔ Automate data backups to prevent data loss in case of integration errors.

6. Example Scenarios of Dolibarr ERP Integration

Here are some common integration use cases for Dolibarr with an external ERP:

Scenario 1: Integration with an Accounting ERP

• Objective: Automatically transfer Dolibarr invoices and payments to an external accounting software (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks, Odoo Accounting).
• Solution: Use the REST API or export invoices in CSV format for automatic import into the accounting ERP.

Scenario 2: Synchronizing Inventory with a Warehouse Management System (WMS)

• Objective: Ensure real-time inventory updates between Dolibarr and a WMS like SAP WM or Odoo Inventory.
• Solution: Set up a bidirectional REST API to synchronize stock levels and track orders.

Scenario 3: Connecting Dolibarr to an E-commerce ERP

• Objective: Synchronize orders, customers, and product inventory between Dolibarr and an e-commerce platform’s ERP.
• Solution: Use a third-party connector (Zapier, Make) or a direct API link.

Conclusion

Connecting Dolibarr to an external ERP is a powerful way to optimize data management, improve workflow efficiency, and eliminate duplicate data entry. Using REST APIs, SOAP Web Services, CSV/XML file exchanges, or third-party connectors, businesses can set up a secure and seamless integration tailored to their needs.