Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Why Integrate Dolibarr with WooCommerce?

  3. Overview of Dolibarr and WooCommerce Architecture

  4. Integration Methods in 2025

  5. Choosing the Right Connector or Module

  6. Using DoliWoo: The Official Connector

  7. Alternatives to DoliWoo

  8. Preparing Dolibarr for WooCommerce Integration

  9. Preparing WooCommerce for Dolibarr Integration

  10. Setting Up the API in Dolibarr

  11. Authenticating API Requests

  12. Synchronizing Products

  13. Synchronizing Customers

  14. Syncing Orders and Invoices

  15. Managing Stock and Inventory

  16. Tax (TVA) Considerations in Integration

  17. Handling Variations and Attributes

  18. Automation Tips: Cron Jobs and Sync Triggers

  19. Data Mapping and Custom Field Handling

  20. Troubleshooting Common Issues

  21. Security and Access Control

  22. Performance Optimization for High Volume Stores

  23. Backup and Recovery Strategies

  24. Legal Compliance in France and the EU

  25. When to Consider Hiring a Developer

  26. Conclusion: Streamlining eCommerce with ERP

1. Introduction

In 2025, seamless integration between eCommerce platforms and ERP systems is more critical than ever. For businesses using Dolibarr as their ERP and WooCommerce for their online store, bridging the gap between the two systems can save time, reduce errors, and provide a unified view of operations. This guide shows how to connect Dolibarr to WooCommerce with no fluff—just actionable insights.

2. Why Integrate Dolibarr with WooCommerce?

The integration allows:

  • Automatic syncing of product catalogs

  • Real-time stock updates between store and warehouse

  • Seamless order-to-invoice workflows

  • Unified customer database

  • Accurate VAT and accounting exports

Without integration, you're stuck in the error-prone loop of manual data entry, duplicated customers, outdated inventory, and delayed order processing.

3. Overview of Dolibarr and WooCommerce Architecture

Dolibarr is an open-source ERP/CRM platform built in PHP, modular by design, and supports REST APIs.

WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin built on PHP and MySQL. It supports REST APIs and uses standard WordPress authentication.

Both platforms can communicate through APIs, webhooks, or third-party middleware. The goal is to ensure they "speak the same language" and stay in sync.

4. Integration Methods in 2025

You can connect Dolibarr and WooCommerce using:

  • Native connectors (e.g., DoliWoo)

  • Third-party middleware (Zapier, Make, Integromat)

  • Custom PHP scripts or plugins using APIs

  • iPaaS platforms (Integration Platform as a Service)

In most cases, DoliWoo or a custom connector offers the best performance and control.

5. Choosing the Right Connector or Module

Look for modules that:

  • Are compatible with Dolibarr 17+ and WordPress 6.x

  • Support bi-directional sync

  • Manage products, orders, stock, and customers

  • Provide logs and error handling

  • Are actively maintained

Read reviews and check GitHub activity if using community modules.

6. Using DoliWoo: The Official Connector

DoliWoo is a plugin designed to link WooCommerce directly with Dolibarr. Features include:

  • Syncing orders into Dolibarr as customer orders or invoices

  • Creating Dolibarr products from WooCommerce

  • Synchronizing stock levels in both directions

  • Auto-updating client records

Installation involves:

  1. Installing DoliWoo plugin in WordPress

  2. Activating REST API in Dolibarr

  3. Generating Dolibarr API credentials

  4. Mapping fields from WooCommerce to Dolibarr modules

7. Alternatives to DoliWoo

If DoliWoo doesn’t meet your needs, consider:

  • WooDolibarr Sync: Lightweight, supports basic sync

  • Zapier or Make: Ideal for small automation without coding

  • Custom PHP integration: For full control and flexibility

Each option has trade-offs in terms of performance, support, and cost.

8. Preparing Dolibarr for WooCommerce Integration

Steps to prepare:

  • Update Dolibarr to the latest stable release

  • Enable REST API module

  • Create API keys under the user profile with limited access

  • Define default third party settings for new customers

Make sure your product and customer data are clean and consistently formatted.

9. Preparing WooCommerce for Dolibarr Integration

On the WooCommerce side:

  • Ensure permalinks are enabled

  • Use HTTPS and a valid SSL certificate

  • Create an API key under WooCommerce > Settings > Advanced > REST API

  • Choose Read/Write access for integration

Test your WooCommerce API with Postman or curl before connecting to Dolibarr.

10. Setting Up the API in Dolibarr

Navigate to Users & Groups > API Keys. Generate a new key and set permissions:

  • Read/Write access to Products, Orders, Third Parties, Invoices, Stock

  • Restrict access to a specific IP or use tokens securely

You’ll use this key when connecting from WooCommerce.

11. Authenticating API Requests

Both systems support token-based or basic authentication. Secure practices include:

  • HTTPS-only traffic

  • Token expiration and renewal cycles

  • Logging access and errors for each request

12. Synchronizing Products

Set product SKU as the unique identifier. Decide whether:

  • Dolibarr pushes products to WooCommerce

  • WooCommerce creates products in Dolibarr

Best practice: define one system as master for each data type to avoid circular sync issues.

13. Synchronizing Customers

Customers can be matched by:

  • Email

  • External ID or reference field

New customers from WooCommerce should be auto-created in Dolibarr with proper VAT handling and regional info.

14. Syncing Orders and Invoices

Decide your workflow:

  • WooCommerce order creates a Dolibarr customer order

  • Dolibarr auto-generates an invoice upon order status change

  • Invoice PDF sent back to WooCommerce or customer email

This step ensures your ERP handles order lifecycle from quote to delivery.

15. Managing Stock and Inventory

Use warehouse module in Dolibarr to manage stock levels. Integration can:

  • Deduct stock when WooCommerce order is placed

  • Sync updated stock counts nightly or in real time

Define your stock sync frequency carefully to avoid overselling.

16. Tax (TVA) Considerations in Integration

Map WooCommerce tax classes to Dolibarr VAT rates. Set rules for:

  • Domestic vs. international VAT

  • Auto-calculation of VAT based on billing address

  • Exemptions for EU B2B clients

Test several invoice scenarios to ensure tax is applied correctly.

17. Handling Variations and Attributes

WooCommerce uses variable products for size, color, etc. Map these to Dolibarr product variants or use custom fields.

Some modules support importing attributes; others require custom development.

18. Automation Tips: Cron Jobs and Sync Triggers

Use cron jobs to:

  • Sync orders every 15 minutes

  • Update stock levels hourly

  • Reconnect APIs nightly if session tokens expire

Test automation thoroughly in staging before applying to live store.

19. Data Mapping and Custom Field Handling

Some businesses use custom fields like:

  • Delivery instructions

  • Customer segmentation

  • Loyalty codes

Ensure your integration supports passing these fields, or customize endpoints to handle them.

20. Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Orders not syncing? Check API logs

  • Incorrect stock levels? Validate product IDs and mapping rules

  • Tax mismatches? Check WooCommerce and Dolibarr regional tax settings

  • Timeouts or errors? Optimize server PHP limits and API rate limits

21. Security and Access Control

Security best practices:

  • Use HTTPS

  • Rotate API keys regularly

  • Limit access scope by role

  • Enable logging and monitor traffic

Protect your Dolibarr instance like any other mission-critical backend.

22. Performance Optimization for High Volume Stores

For stores with high transaction volumes:

  • Cache API responses where possible

  • Use bulk endpoints (batch sync)

  • Offload sync tasks to background workers

  • Optimize database queries in Dolibarr

23. Backup and Recovery Strategies

Always:

  • Back up Dolibarr and WooCommerce databases daily

  • Use version control for config scripts

  • Test rollback procedures quarterly

This minimizes downtime in case of sync failures or system crashes.

24. Legal Compliance in France and the EU

Make sure your system complies with:

  • GDPR for customer data

  • French TVA anti-fraud regulations

  • Electronic invoicing mandates if dealing with public institutions (via Chorus Pro)

Maintain clear records of all API transactions for audit purposes.

25. When to Consider Hiring a Developer

Bring in a professional if:

  • Your integration needs are complex

  • You need multi-warehouse or B2B tiered pricing

  • You plan to sync with multiple WooCommerce stores

  • You require custom reporting or analytics integration

26. Conclusion: Streamlining eCommerce with ERP

Integrating Dolibarr with WooCommerce in 2025 is not just possible—it’s smart. With the right connector, clean setup, and careful planning, you can eliminate redundant work, improve accuracy, and give your team real-time insight into every part of your business. Whether you're a startup or scaling enterprise, connecting your ERP and eCommerce is a game-changer you can't afford to skip.