Dolibarr is an open-source ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software increasingly used by businesses to manage accounting, inventory, customers, and much more. Its ease of use and flexibility make it an ideal solution for small businesses, SMEs, and even large enterprises looking to optimize their management.

In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to install and configure Dolibarr on a local or cloud server. You will learn how to download and install Dolibarr, configure the environment (Apache, MySQL, PHP), secure your installation, and optimize your configuration for better performance.

1. Prerequisites Before Installing Dolibarr

Before installing Dolibarr, you need a compatible server. There are two main options available:

• Local installation: Ideal for testing Dolibarr or for personal use on a computer. This requires a local web server such as XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP.
• Cloud server installation: Recommended for remote and collaborative access. A web hosting service with PHP and MySQL/MariaDB support is required.

Minimum System Requirements

To ensure Dolibarr runs smoothly, your server must meet the following requirements:

• A compatible web server (Apache, Nginx, IIS)
• PHP version 7.3 or higher
• A MySQL 5.6+ or MariaDB 10.0+ database
• Required PHP extensions: gd, curl, json, mbstring, openssl, zip

2. Installing Dolibarr on a Local Server

Installing Dolibarr locally is ideal for testing and development purposes. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1: Download and Install a Local Server Environment

If you do not have a local server installed, you need to set up one of the following:

• XAMPP (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• WAMP (Windows)
• MAMP (Mac)

Once installed, start the Apache and MySQL services.

Step 2: Download Dolibarr

Visit the official Dolibarr website and download the latest stable version. Extract the contents of the downloaded file into the htdocs folder (for XAMPP) or www folder (for WAMP).

Step 3: Create a Database

• Open phpMyAdmin in your browser
• Create a new database (example: dolibarr_db)
• Note the database name, user, and password

Step 4: Start the Installation

• Open your browser and type http://localhost/dolibarr
• Follow the installation wizard by entering your database connection details
• Once the installation is complete, create an admin account and log in

3. Installing Dolibarr on a Cloud Server

If you want to access Dolibarr remotely, it is recommended to install it on an online server.

Step 1: Choose a Web Hosting Provider

You can opt for shared hosting, a VPS, or a dedicated server. It is recommended to choose a hosting provider compatible with PHP and MySQL, such as OVH, LWS, o2switch, or DigitalOcean.

Step 2: Upload Dolibarr Files

• Download Dolibarr to your computer
• Use an FTP client like FileZilla to transfer the files to your server's public_html folder
• Ensure file permissions are set correctly

Step 3: Configure the Database

• Log in to your hosting provider and create a MySQL database
• Note the database credentials (database name, user, password, server address)

Step 4: Start the Installation

• Open your browser and navigate to your domain (e.g., mysite.com/dolibarr)
• Follow the installation wizard by entering the database details
• Complete the setup and create an admin account

4. Configuring Dolibarr After Installation

After installation, configuring Dolibarr properly is essential for optimal use.

Basic Settings

• Set the correct time zone and language
• Add your company information
• Enable the necessary modules based on your business needs (invoicing, accounting, inventory management, etc.)

Securing Dolibarr

To protect your installation, follow these best practices:

• Delete the install/ folder after installation
• Change permissions for sensitive files
• Enable HTTPS for secure data transfer
• Regularly update Dolibarr to benefit from security patches

5. Optimizing and Customizing Dolibarr

Once installed, you can improve your Dolibarr experience with these optimizations:

• Installing modules: Add specific functionalities via Dolistore or by developing your own modules
• Performance optimization: Enable caching, use a powerful server, and optimize the database
• Interface customization: Adapt Dolibarr to your business by modifying document templates and the UI

6. Conclusion

Dolibarr is a powerful and flexible tool, perfect for businesses looking to manage their activities efficiently. Whether you install it locally or on a cloud server, it is crucial to configure your environment properly and secure your installation to make the most of it.

By following this guide, you now have all the essential steps to install and configure Dolibarr according to your needs. To go further, you can explore additional extensions or consult an expert for custom developments.