Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Why Performance Matters in ERP/CRM Systems

  3. Understanding Dolibarr's Architecture

  4. Identifying Performance Bottlenecks

  5. Optimizing Server Environment

  6. PHP Configuration for Speed

  7. Tuning the MySQL/MariaDB Database

  8. File System and Storage Efficiency

  9. Using a Caching System

  10. Optimizing Dolibarr Modules and Features

  11. Disabling Unused Modules

  12. Managing Extra Fields and Custom Data

  13. Minimizing Large Data Set Queries

  14. Cleaning Up the Database Regularly

  15. Optimizing Cron Jobs and Scheduled Tasks

  16. Optimizing PDF Generation and Document Handling

  17. Front-End Performance Tips

  18. Load Testing and Benchmarking

  19. Monitoring Tools and Logs

  20. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Performance optimization is essential to ensure that your Dolibarr ERP/CRM system remains responsive, stable, and scalable as your business grows. Whether you're running a single-user setup or a multi-user corporate environment, small delays can accumulate into major productivity losses. This guide outlines proven techniques for improving Dolibarr performance at the server, application, and user-interface levels.

2. Why Performance Matters in ERP/CRM Systems

ERP systems are mission-critical platforms. When they slow down, everything slows down:

  • Users become less efficient

  • Processes take longer

  • Errors increase

  • Frustration builds up

A fast Dolibarr experience ensures smooth operations, real-time collaboration, and high user satisfaction.

3. Understanding Dolibarr's Architecture

Dolibarr is built using:

  • PHP as the server-side language

  • MySQL/MariaDB for database storage

  • TCPDF for PDF generation

  • Apache or Nginx as web server

Performance must be addressed across this stack. Poor configuration in any layer can affect the whole system.

4. Identifying Performance Bottlenecks

Start with:

  • Slow page loads

  • Delays in PDF generation

  • Long database query times

  • High server CPU or memory usage

Use tools like:

  • Browser dev tools (network tab)

  • Apache slow query logs

  • MySQL EXPLAIN to analyze queries

  • Server monitoring tools (top, htop, Netdata)

5. Optimizing Server Environment

Choose optimized infrastructure:

  • Use SSD-based VPS or dedicated servers

  • Upgrade to the latest stable OS

  • Use LAMP or LEMP stacks with updated packages

Recommended specs for medium load:

  • 4 CPU cores

  • 8 GB RAM

  • SSD storage

6. PHP Configuration for Speed

Settings in php.ini that can boost performance:

  • opcache.enable=1

  • opcache.memory_consumption=128

  • realpath_cache_size=4096k

  • max_execution_time=120

  • memory_limit=512M

Use php -v to confirm OPcache is active.

7. Tuning the MySQL/MariaDB Database

Key adjustments in my.cnf:

innodb_buffer_pool_size = 2G
query_cache_type = 1
query_cache_size = 128M
max_connections = 200

Use mysqltuner to get suggestions based on your usage.

8. File System and Storage Efficiency

Optimize directories:

  • Keep /documents/ directory tidy

  • Archive old attachments

  • Rotate and compress logs

Ensure that file permissions are correct to avoid I/O delays or access issues.

9. Using a Caching System

Enable a cache layer:

  • Use Redis or Memcached with PHP

  • Configure session handling via caching

It reduces the number of DB calls and speeds up common queries.

10. Optimizing Dolibarr Modules and Features

Every module adds overhead:

  • Disable what you don’t use

  • Reduce the number of features loaded on startup

  • Use minimal themes without heavy CSS or JS

Avoid installing too many experimental or third-party modules.

11. Disabling Unused Modules

Navigate to Setup > Modules/Applications and disable:

  • Marketing, HR, Expense Reports, etc., if unused

  • Non-core modules that are rarely used

This reduces UI clutter and improves load times.

12. Managing Extra Fields and Custom Data

Extra fields increase DB size and query complexity:

  • Use dropdowns instead of long text fields

  • Archive or remove obsolete fields

  • Review and clean up unused custom fields regularly

Avoid overuse of extra fields in high-frequency tables.

13. Minimizing Large Data Set Queries

For large tables (invoices, orders, products):

  • Use filters and pagination

  • Avoid exporting large datasets in one go

  • Create indexes on frequently searched columns

SQL slow query log can help identify problem queries.

14. Cleaning Up the Database Regularly

Over time, Dolibarr accumulates:

  • Logs

  • Historical records

  • Unused temp files

Recommended:

  • Truncate unused log tables

  • Clear drafts and incomplete records

  • Use admin tools to clean temporary data

15. Optimizing Cron Jobs and Scheduled Tasks

Cron jobs include:

  • Invoice reminders

  • Email campaigns

  • Scheduled exports

Too many tasks can create load spikes. Space them out with crontab:

0 3 * * * php /var/www/html/dolibarr/scripts/send_reminders.php

16. Optimizing PDF Generation and Document Handling

Slow PDFs?

  • Reduce image size in logos

  • Limit lines per invoice to fewer pages

  • Check TCPDF logs for errors

Avoid regenerating PDFs unnecessarily. Cache them if possible.

17. Front-End Performance Tips

Improve UX with:

  • Light themes (like Oblyon)

  • Minimal menu options

  • Enabling gzip compression in Apache/Nginx

  • Browser caching via .htaccess

Also reduce number of images or media on dashboards.

18. Load Testing and Benchmarking

Tools:

  • ApacheBench (ab)

  • JMeter

  • Siege

Test login page, invoice generation, and list views under load. Identify pages with long response times and optimize queries.

19. Monitoring Tools and Logs

Track usage and system health with:

  • Netdata

  • Munin

  • Zabbix or Grafana for dashboards

Enable and read logs:

  • PHP logs

  • Apache logs

  • Dolibarr’s internal logs (if enabled)

20. Conclusion

Optimizing Dolibarr for smooth performance is an ongoing task, but well worth the investment. From server setup and PHP tuning to module management and front-end tweaks, each layer plays a role in overall responsiveness. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and smart configuration ensure your ERP/CRM stays fast and reliable as your business grows.