Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Why Use an ERP like Dolibarr for Construction Projects?

  3. Key Challenges in Construction Project Management

  4. Overview of Dolibarr’s Architecture

  5. Core Modules Useful for BTP Companies

  6. Project Module: Central Pillar for Site Tracking

  7. Task Management and Gantt Charts

  8. Time Tracking for Construction Teams

  9. Using the Resource and Calendar Modules

  10. Quotation and Proposal Management

  11. Invoicing and Cash Flow Tracking

  12. Budget Monitoring and Cost Forecasting

  13. Supplier and Subcontractor Management

  14. Stock and Material Tracking on Construction Sites

  15. Equipment Maintenance and Tools Inventory

  16. HR and Workforce Management for Job Sites

  17. Integration with External Systems (CAD, BIM, Time Clocks)

  18. Mobile Access and Field Data Entry

  19. Custom Modules for Construction Companies

  20. Compliance and Documentation Tracking

  21. Real-world Use Cases from the BTP Sector

  22. Limitations and What to Watch Out For

  23. Tips for Implementation in a Construction Environment

  24. When to Customize or Extend Dolibarr

  25. Conclusion: Is Dolibarr Ready for Construction Site Management?

1. Introduction

The construction sector, often referred to as BTP (Bâtiment et Travaux Publics), involves complex, multi-stakeholder operations where coordination, timing, and budgeting are crucial. Dolibarr ERP & CRM, known for its modular, open-source flexibility, offers several tools and extensions that can help construction firms improve planning, execution, and tracking of projects.

In this article, we explore how Dolibarr can be used effectively by companies in the construction sector. We detail the key modules, best practices, and additional tools that make it a serious contender for managing sites, crews, budgets, and timelines in the BTP industry.

2. Why Use an ERP like Dolibarr for Construction Projects?

ERP systems centralize information and workflows. For construction businesses, this means:

  • Real-time tracking of progress and resources

  • Integration of site operations with administrative processes

  • Better coordination between field and office teams

  • Improved cost control and financial visibility

Dolibarr’s modular architecture allows companies to activate only what they need, making it adaptable to small contractors and large builders alike.

3. Key Challenges in Construction Project Management

Before diving into modules, it’s essential to recognize what makes construction project management unique:

  • Multi-site project handling

  • Coordination with subcontractors and suppliers

  • Tracking material use and deliveries

  • Real-time labor tracking and work validation

  • Budget forecasting vs. actuals

  • Documentation and regulatory compliance

Dolibarr addresses many of these challenges when configured with the right set of modules.

4. Overview of Dolibarr’s Architecture

Dolibarr is PHP-based, with a MySQL or PostgreSQL database, and is accessible via web browser. Its core is extendable via modules, many of which are available on the Dolistore or GitHub.

Standard modules can be supplemented with:

  • Custom developments

  • API integrations

  • External scripts for data import/export

5. Core Modules Useful for BTP Companies

The following built-in modules are foundational:

  • Projects: For site tracking and planning

  • Tasks: To break down work packages

  • Third Parties: Clients, suppliers, subcontractors

  • Proposals/Quotations: For estimating

  • Orders & Invoices: Cash flow monitoring

  • Bank & Accounting: For budget tracking

  • Stock: Material and equipment handling

Each of these supports a vital piece of the construction management puzzle.

6. Project Module: Central Pillar for Site Tracking

The Project module allows you to:

  • Create a new project per site or contract

  • Assign contacts (clients, subcontractors, project managers)

  • Set start/end dates and budgets

  • Link documents and activities

Projects serve as containers for all related tasks, quotes, invoices, and time entries.

7. Task Management and Gantt Charts

Each project can have multiple tasks representing milestones or site activities:

  • Foundation work

  • Electrical installation

  • Roofing

  • Interior finishing

Tasks can be nested and scheduled with dependencies. Gantt views (available via plugins or add-ons) provide visual timeline planning.

8. Time Tracking for Construction Teams

Dolibarr includes time-tracking features where team members can:

  • Log hours worked per task or project

  • Track overtime or night shifts

  • Use timesheets or real-time clock-in/clock-out tools (via modules)

This data feeds into cost analysis, billing, and payroll.

9. Using the Resource and Calendar Modules

You can use the Agenda module to:

  • Plan interventions on-site

  • Schedule equipment or team usage

  • Allocate shared tools

Resource modules (or third-party add-ons) allow you to track usage of cranes, excavators, scaffolding, and other shared assets.

10. Quotation and Proposal Management

Using the Proposals module, you can:

  • Generate detailed cost estimates

  • Break down labor, material, and subcontractor costs

  • Send PDF offers to clients

Accepted proposals can be converted directly into orders and projects, streamlining workflow.

11. Invoicing and Cash Flow Tracking

The Invoice and Bank modules let you:

  • Bill in phases (e.g., 30% upfront, 40% mid-project, 30% final)

  • Track partial payments and client balances

  • Forecast cash flow needs across multiple projects

You can also link invoices to timesheets or material delivery.

12. Budget Monitoring and Cost Forecasting

With data from invoices, stock usage, and time entries, you can:

  • Analyze real vs. planned budgets

  • Create financial dashboards

  • Predict project overruns early

Some users extend this via Excel exports or integration with Power BI or Metabase.

13. Supplier and Subcontractor Management

The Third Party and Purchase Order modules help you manage:

  • Subcontractor contracts

  • Material orders

  • Delivery dates and delays

  • Invoice reconciliation

This is critical for coordinating multi-vendor logistics.

14. Stock and Material Tracking on Construction Sites

Using the Stock module, you can:

  • Track tools and materials by warehouse or location

  • Record usage per task or project

  • Automate alerts for low stock

Some businesses use barcode scanners with Dolibarr add-ons to streamline tracking.

15. Equipment Maintenance and Tools Inventory

Dolibarr doesn’t have a built-in CMMS module, but you can use:

  • The Product module for listing equipment

  • Custom fields for maintenance dates

  • External CMMS integrations for full tracking

This helps reduce downtime and loss of tools.

16. HR and Workforce Management for Job Sites

With the HRM and Leave modules, you can:

  • Track availability of staff

  • Plan job site rotations

  • Approve or reject leave requests

  • Generate summaries for payroll

Some Dolibarr users extend this with biometric access control or payroll plugins.

17. Integration with External Systems (CAD, BIM, Time Clocks)

Dolibarr supports API-based integrations with:

  • CAD drawing archives

  • BIM collaboration platforms (via file links)

  • RFID or time clock systems

For instance, data from a biometric punch system can update Dolibarr’s timesheets daily.

18. Mobile Access and Field Data Entry

Construction staff can access Dolibarr via:

  • Mobile browsers

  • Responsive themes

  • Dolibarr mobile apps (third-party)

This enables:

  • On-site photo uploads

  • Daily site logs

  • Real-time incident reporting

19. Custom Modules for Construction Companies

Popular custom modules include:

  • Chantier: Dedicated project site tracker

  • Planning Gantt Pro: Advanced Gantt and scheduling

  • Suivi Intervention: Field report generator

  • Facturation Échelonnée: Progress billing support

Many are available on Dolistore or through certified partners.

20. Compliance and Documentation Tracking

Dolibarr helps ensure:

  • Signed work orders are archived

  • Safety documents (PPSPS, DIUO) are linked to projects

  • Document templates are standardized

  • GDPR or safety audit data is centralized

This reduces the risk of legal or compliance issues during inspections.

21. Real-world Use Cases from the BTP Sector

Examples include:

  • A roofing company managing 20+ simultaneous projects with mobile timesheets

  • A general contractor using Dolibarr to coordinate subcontractors and invoicing

  • An HVAC firm integrating Dolibarr with inventory and vehicle tracking

These examples show Dolibarr’s ability to scale across trades.

22. Limitations and What to Watch Out For

Potential drawbacks:

  • Lack of out-of-the-box CMMS (for equipment tracking)

  • No full native BIM or plan management

  • Limited native graphical dashboards

  • Might require developer help for advanced customization

23. Tips for Implementation in a Construction Environment

  • Start with a pilot site to test modules

  • Train field and office teams separately

  • Use barcode scanners and mobile-friendly themes

  • Sync regularly with accounting and payroll teams

  • Document processes clearly

24. When to Customize or Extend Dolibarr

Consider custom development if you need:

  • Integration with CAD/BIM workflows

  • Automated safety checks

  • Specific French regulatory compliance

  • Real-time dashboards by site or region

A good integrator can build this on top of Dolibarr’s solid core.

25. Conclusion: Is Dolibarr Ready for Construction Site Management?

Yes—with the right configuration. Dolibarr, while not originally designed for the construction sector, offers a surprising level of adaptability. By combining its built-in modules with the right add-ons and workflows, BTP companies can manage projects, people, finances, and materials in one centralized platform.

For companies looking for an affordable, open-source ERP tailored to the realities of construction, Dolibarr is a compelling option—especially when used with a clear implementation plan and a willingness to adapt workflows.