Dolibarr ERP & CRM is one of the most popular open-source business management platforms, known for its modular design and ease of use. Businesses around the world use it to manage everything from customer relationships and projects to invoicing and accounting. But what truly amplifies Dolibarr’s power is its ability to be customized and extended using modules developed by third-party contributors.
NEXT GESTION is one such trusted contributor in the Dolibarr ecosystem. It offers a wide array of free and paid modules aimed at improving day-to-day operations and filling common feature gaps. In this article, we explore six of the most useful free modules created by NEXT GESTION that you can install to get even more out of your Dolibarr installation.
1. THM in Task Time Spent
THM in Task Time Spent is a module designed to track the time spent by users on individual tasks and automatically calculate costs using a predefined hourly rate (called "THM", which stands for “taux horaire moyen” in French).
Key Features:
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Tracks user time on project tasks
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Calculates total cost based on internal hourly rates
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Helps in budgeting and project profitability analysis
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Displays time tracking data within the task view
Benefits:
For service-based businesses or agencies, this module is extremely helpful for monitoring billable hours and evaluating the true cost of each project. It also helps project managers identify inefficiencies and optimize resource allocation.
2. Day Number in Mask Model
This module adds the day of the year (from 001 to 365) into the mask model used to generate document references such as invoices, orders, or shipments.
Key Features:
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Adds {daynumber} placeholder to document numbering masks
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Works with invoices, quotes, orders, and other commercial documents
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Supports advanced chronological tracking
Benefits:
This is especially useful for companies that issue large volumes of documents daily and need to keep track of them in strict sequential order. It also aids in audits and document retrieval by embedding more detailed date logic into your numbering system.
3. Show Holidays in Calendar by Default
This module integrates employee leave data directly into the main Dolibarr calendar view.
Key Features:
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Automatically shows validated holidays of employees
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Makes planning meetings and project timelines easier
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Integrates with Dolibarr's holiday and leave request module
Benefits:
Managers and HR professionals get a better overview of team availability. It helps avoid scheduling conflicts, overbooking of human resources, and improves internal visibility.
4. Permissions on Attached Files
By default, Dolibarr provides limited control over file access. This module introduces permission layers for documents and files uploaded to Dolibarr records.
Key Features:
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Set who can view, download, or manage attached files
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Assign permissions to specific users or user groups
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Apply restrictions by module or document type
Benefits:
This is a must-have for businesses that deal with sensitive documents like contracts, internal reports, or financial records. It helps comply with data privacy regulations and ensures that documents are only accessible by authorized personnel.
5. No Email by Default
Normally, when a user creates a new third-party entry (client or supplier), Dolibarr may auto-fill the email field or leave a default placeholder. This can lead to invalid entries or missed communications.
Key Features:
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Disables automatic filling of email fields
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Requires users to enter the email manually
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Reduces data entry errors
Benefits:
This module helps maintain clean contact databases and ensures that communication tools like mass emailing or invoice dispatch don’t fail due to incorrect or blank email addresses.
6. Third Party Code Generator
This module automatically generates codes for third-party records (customers and suppliers) following a consistent structure defined in your company settings.
Key Features:
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Automates code assignment using a customizable numbering mask
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Supports date, counter, and prefix/suffix structures
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Works for both customers and suppliers
Benefits:
It ensures standardization and saves time when creating new business partners. If you're dealing with hundreds of records, having a structured code system makes search, classification, and reporting much more efficient.
Installing NEXT GESTION Modules
Installing these modules is simple. You can download them, extract the contents, and upload them to the /htdocs/custom directory of your Dolibarr installation. Once uploaded:
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Log in to Dolibarr as an admin
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Go to the “Modules/Applications” section
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Find the module in the list
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Click “Activate”
Once activated, you can configure module-specific settings if applicable.
Why These Modules Matter
Each of the six modules highlighted in this article addresses a very specific and practical business need:
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Time tracking and cost control
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Improved document management
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Better planning and visibility
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Stronger data protection and compliance
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Clean and structured databases
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More efficient administration
They are particularly valuable for small to mid-sized businesses that want powerful tools but need to keep costs low.
Because these modules are free and built by a developer with a strong track record in the Dolibarr ecosystem, they offer a low-risk way to expand your system's capabilities without purchasing expensive third-party solutions.
Final Thoughts
Dolibarr is a powerful ERP/CRM platform, but what makes it truly exceptional is its ability to be tailored to your specific workflow. NEXT GESTION’s free modules are an excellent way to get started with customization and improvement without spending a single euro.
By installing these six modules, you can turn your Dolibarr system into a more secure, flexible, and efficient business management tool. And because each module targets a practical challenge—from file permissions to calendar planning—you’re sure to see an immediate benefit.
If you’re already using Dolibarr and want to take it further, these modules are a great place to start. If you’re still deciding whether Dolibarr can meet your needs, this kind of flexibility is exactly what sets it apart from closed, commercial ERP platforms.