Dolibarr ERP/CRM is a robust, open-source software suite designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It combines enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) features into a single, modular solution. With its flexibility, user-friendliness, and active community, Dolibarr has become a go-to solution for companies looking to manage their operations without the high costs associated with proprietary systems.

This guide is tailored for beginners who want to install, configure, and start using Dolibarr ERP/CRM in 2025. It walks you through each step of the process, from understanding the software to getting it up and running smoothly.

What is Dolibarr ERP/CRM?

Dolibarr is a modern ERP and CRM system that helps businesses manage customers, invoices, orders, products, inventory, human resources, accounting, and more. Its modular design allows users to enable only the features they need. It's available as a downloadable package for self-hosting or as a cloud-based solution via Dolibarr partners.

As of 2025, Dolibarr continues to evolve with frequent updates, improved user interface, and growing plugin ecosystem. It supports multiple languages and can be accessed through a web browser, making it ideal for distributed teams.

Why Choose Dolibarr?

• Open Source: No licensing fees; full access to source code.

• Modular: Activate only the modules your business requires.

• Community Support: Active forums, documentation, and third-party developers.

• Multi-platform: Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

• Scalability: Suitable for freelancers, startups, and growing SMEs.

• Ease of Use: Clean UI and logical workflows for non-technical users.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before installing Dolibarr, ensure your environment meets the minimum requirements:

Server Requirements

• Operating System: Linux (recommended), Windows, or macOS

• Web Server: Apache or Nginx

• PHP: Version 8.0 or later

• Database: MySQL 5.7+/MariaDB 10.2+ or PostgreSQL 10+

• RAM: At least 2 GB (more for high traffic or large datasets)

• Disk Space: Minimum 2 GB (depending on data volume)

Tools Needed

• SSH access to your server (for Linux installations)

• A domain name or IP address

• FTP client (optional)

• Web browser

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

There are two main methods to install Dolibarr: manually (self-hosted) or using pre-configured installers. This guide focuses on manual installation for full control and learning experience.

Step 1: Download Dolibarr

Go to the official Dolibarr website and download the latest stable version. Choose the .zip or .tar.gz package depending on your system.

Step 2: Upload Dolibarr to Your Server

Use an FTP client like FileZilla or SCP via SSH to upload the extracted files to your web server directory (usually /var/www/html/dolibarr on Linux).

sudo mkdir /var/www/html/dolibarr
sudo cp -r dolibarr-x.x.x/* /var/www/html/dolibarr

Step 3: Set File Permissions

Ensure your web server has the correct permissions:

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/dolibarr
sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/html/dolibarr

Step 4: Create a Database

Log into MySQL and create a database and user:

CREATE DATABASE dolibarr;
CREATE USER 'dolibarruser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_secure_password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON dolibarr.* TO 'dolibarruser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Step 5: Run the Web Installer

Open your browser and go to http://yourdomain.com/dolibarr. You’ll be guided through the installation wizard:

• Select your language

• Accept the license

• System checks (make sure everything is green)

• Database configuration (enter your database name, user, and password)

• Admin account setup

• Finalize installation

Step 6: Secure Your Installation

After installation:

• Delete the install/ directory.

• Use HTTPS for secure access.

• Change admin passwords and back up your configuration.

sudo rm -rf /var/www/html/dolibarr/install

First-Time Configuration

Once installed, it's time to configure Dolibarr to fit your business needs.

General Settings

Go to Home > Setup > Company/Organization:

• Set company name, logo, contact details.

• Choose your default currency, language, and country.

• Enable multi-language support if necessary.

Modules Management

Dolibarr’s strength lies in its modular system. Go to Home > Setup > Modules:

• Activate core modules like Third Parties, Invoices, Products, and Orders.

• Enable other modules as your needs grow (e.g., Accounting, HR, Emailing).

User and Permission Management

Navigate to Users & Groups:

• Create users with specific roles (e.g., accountant, sales, manager).

• Assign permissions based on module access.

Customize the Dashboard

You can personalize the dashboard with widgets and KPIs relevant to your operations.

Setup Email and Notifications

• Configure SMTP settings under Setup > Emails.

• Enable automatic notifications for events like overdue invoices or new tasks.

Optional but Recommended Configurations

Backup and Restore

Regular backups are crucial. Dolibarr includes a backup tool under Admin Tools.

• Schedule automatic backups.

• Store backups securely offsite or in the cloud.

Install Additional Modules

Explore the NEXTGESTION (https://nextgestion.com/) for free and paid modules:

• Advanced reporting

• Barcode scanning

• E-commerce integration

Enable REST API

If you want to connect Dolibarr to other systems:

• Activate the API module.

• Use an API key for secure connections.

• Follow the API documentation for endpoints and data structures.

Common Post-Installation Issues and Fixes

1. Blank Pages or 500 Errors

Check PHP error logs. Often due to missing extensions or permission issues.

2. Email Not Sending

Verify SMTP settings, ports, and that your server isn’t blocked by firewalls.

3. Cron Jobs Not Running

Set up scheduled tasks (cron jobs) for background tasks:

crontab -e
*/15 * * * * /usr/bin/php /var/www/html/dolibarr/cron/cron_run_jobs.php

4. Sluggish Performance

• Enable caching

• Optimize database tables regularly

• Monitor logs for bottlenecks

Tips for Using Dolibarr Effectively

• Start Small: Activate only essential modules to avoid overwhelm.

• Train Your Team: Invest time in training for smoother adoption.

• Explore the Community: Use forums, GitHub, and Dolibarr’s wiki.

• Document Your Setup: Keep records of configurations and customizations.

• Stay Updated: Apply security and feature updates regularly.

Conclusion

Dolibarr ERP/CRM is a powerful and cost-effective tool for managing your business operations. With its open-source nature, modular design, and active community, it offers the flexibility needed by modern businesses. Whether you’re a freelancer managing invoices or an SME handling complex logistics, Dolibarr can adapt to your workflow.

By following this guide, you now have a solid foundation for installing and configuring Dolibarr in 2025. Take the time to explore its features, tailor it to your needs, and you'll find it a valuable asset in your business toolkit.

For more advanced usage and troubleshooting, consider joining the Dolibarr community forums or browsing the official documentation.