Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Post-Installation Login and Initial Checks

  3. Setting the Main Company Profile

  4. Configuring System Parameters

  5. Choosing the Right Modules

  6. Defining User Roles and Access Rights

  7. Customizing Display, Theme, and Layout

  8. Language, Timezone, and Regional Settings

  9. Setting Up Email and Notifications

  10. Configuring Financial Settings and Bank Accounts

  11. Adding Products, Services, and VAT Rates

  12. Creating Third Parties: Customers and Suppliers

  13. Activating Security Settings and Permissions

  14. Integrating External Services (OAuth, Mail, FTP)

  15. Setting Up Cron Jobs for Automation

  16. Installing and Managing Additional Modules

  17. Testing the Full Workflow

  18. Backup Strategy and Update Planning

  19. Common Post-Install Mistakes to Avoid

  20. Conclusion

1. Introduction

After successfully installing Dolibarr ERP/CRM, the next critical step is configuring it for real-world use. Without proper setup, even a perfect installation can fall short in usability, security, and performance. This guide outlines a step-by-step process to fully configure Dolibarr after installation, optimized for both first-time users and experienced administrators.

2. Post-Installation Login and Initial Checks

Upon installation:

  • Log in using the admin account defined during setup.

  • Confirm that the installation is locked (install.lock file exists).

  • Visit the About section to verify the version and server settings.

Use the top menu bar to navigate to Home > Setup > Modules/Applications to begin module configuration.

3. Setting the Main Company Profile

Go to Setup > Company/Organization:

  • Enter your company name, logo, and contact info.

  • Configure the legal status, capital, and identifiers (SIRET, VAT, etc.).

  • Upload branding elements like the company logo and invoice footer.

These details will appear on PDF exports and correspondence.

4. Configuring System Parameters

Navigate to Setup > Other Setup:

  • Set the default currency.

  • Define date and time formats.

  • Enable multicompany mode if needed.

  • Adjust limits for memory and file uploads (if applicable).

Also review Setup > Modules/Applications > Core Settings for session and login policies.

5. Choosing the Right Modules

From Setup > Modules/Applications:

  • Enable only the modules you need (Invoices, Orders, Products, etc.).

  • Avoid overloading the system with unused features.

  • Activate in a logical sequence (e.g., enable Third Parties before Invoices).

Document which modules are enabled and why.

6. Defining User Roles and Access Rights

Go to Users & Groups:

  • Create roles for Admin, Accounting, Sales, etc.

  • Define permissions via checkboxes per module.

  • Assign users to one or more groups.

Make sure to restrict critical actions like deletions, configuration access, and accounting.

7. Customizing Display, Theme, and Layout

Visit Setup > Display:

  • Select a theme (e.g., Eldy, Oblyon).

  • Customize the color scheme and logo placement.

  • Adjust interface density and default language.

Use the Customize Interface module (if installed) for advanced layout tweaks.

8. Language, Timezone, and Regional Settings

From Setup > Dictionaries and Locales:

  • Select primary and secondary languages.

  • Update currency exchange tables.

  • Set fiscal year and week start day.

  • Verify timezones for users.

You can also upload custom language files to /langs/ if needed.

9. Setting Up Email and Notifications

Go to Setup > Email:

  • Configure SMTP or PHP Mail settings.

  • Test sending a sample email.

  • Set default senders and CC/BCC addresses.

  • Enable notifications for overdue invoices, reminders, etc.

Consider using cron to automate batch notifications.

10. Configuring Financial Settings and Bank Accounts

Under Bank/Cash > New Account:

  • Create accounts for checking, savings, and payment gateways.

  • Set default account for transactions.

  • Enable reconciliation and statement imports.

Then configure accounting settings under Accounting > Setup.

11. Adding Products, Services, and VAT Rates

Visit Products/Services:

  • Add initial products and services.

  • Define selling and buying prices.

  • Link VAT rates from Setup > Dictionaries > VAT Rates.

  • Assign product categories and units.

Make sure prices match your billing policies.

12. Creating Third Parties: Customers and Suppliers

Navigate to Third Parties > New:

  • Enter customer or supplier details.

  • Assign default payment terms and methods.

  • Link contacts and addresses.

These entities will be used in proposals, orders, and invoicing.

13. Activating Security Settings and Permissions

Under Setup > Security:

  • Enforce strong password policies.

  • Enable HTTPS if not already configured.

  • Restrict access to the /install/ directory.

  • Review system logs regularly.

Also enable 2FA and access tokens where supported.

14. Integrating External Services (OAuth, Mail, FTP)

Under Setup > Modules/Applications > External Services:

  • Enable Google OAuth login or LDAP authentication.

  • Connect to external email and FTP servers.

  • Set up API access and generate tokens.

These services extend Dolibarr’s functionality into your ecosystem.

15. Setting Up Cron Jobs for Automation

Visit Home > Admin Tools > Scheduled Tasks:

  • Schedule invoice generation, stock updates, reminders.

  • Use server cron to call cron_run_jobs.php every 5–10 minutes.

  • Monitor logs in documents/admin/cronjobs.log

Automation boosts efficiency significantly.

16. Installing and Managing Additional Modules

Go to Setup > Modules/Applications > Install New Module:

  • Upload .zip modules from Dolistore.

  • Unzip into /custom/ or use the interface.

  • Enable and configure settings via the module page.

Keep modules updated and avoid conflicting features.

17. Testing the Full Workflow

Before going live:

  • Create a test third party.

  • Issue a quote, convert to order, generate invoice.

  • Record a payment and generate a PDF.

  • Reconcile a bank transaction.

Identify and fix any gaps in the workflow.

18. Backup Strategy and Update Planning

Backups:

  • Automate DB and file backups daily.

  • Store offsite or in secure cloud.

Updates:

  • Follow Dolibarr’s release announcements.

  • Test new versions in staging before deploying.

Track customizations and maintain changelogs.

19. Common Post-Install Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving /install/ accessible

  • Not setting up backups

  • Skipping SMTP configuration

  • Assigning all users admin access

  • Enabling too many unused modules

These missteps can cause major issues down the line.

20. Conclusion

A properly configured Dolibarr instance is the foundation for efficient ERP and CRM workflows. By systematically addressing each configuration area, you’ll unlock the platform’s full potential—from sales and inventory to accounting and automation. Use this guide to ensure nothing is missed during your post-install setup and position your organization for long-term success.