Integrating Third-Party Modules into Dolibarr: Steps and Best Practices

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Understanding Dolibarr’s Modular Ecosystem

3. What Are Third-Party Modules?

4. Why Use Third-Party Modules?

5. Sourcing Trusted Modules

6. Preparing Your Dolibarr Environment

7. Step-by-Step Installation of a Third-Party Module

8. Manual Installation via FTP

9. Using the Dolibarr Module Loader

10. Common Issues During Installation and How to Solve Them

11. Activating and Configuring a Third-Party Module

12. Managing Dependencies and Compatibility

13. Updating Modules Safely

14. Testing New Features in a Staging Environment

15. Performance Considerations with External Modules

16. Security Best Practices

17. User Access and Rights Management for New Modules

18. Handling Conflicts Between Modules

19. Best Practices for Maintenance and Documentation

20. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Dolibarr ERP/CRM is renowned for its flexible and modular structure. One of the reasons for its wide adoption is its extensibility—users can install and integrate third-party modules to expand functionality and tailor the software to their business needs. However, installing a module is more than just uploading a ZIP file; it involves careful preparation, validation, and integration to ensure stability and security.

This guide explores in detail how to successfully integrate third-party modules into Dolibarr, with practical advice and technical tips.

2. Understanding Dolibarr’s Modular Ecosystem

Dolibarr’s architecture is built entirely around modules. Everything, from invoicing to CRM to human resources, is structured as a module.

Modules are grouped into:

• Core Modules: Native to Dolibarr, can be activated from the admin panel.

• Optional Native Modules: Shipped but not activated by default.

• Third-Party Modules: Developed independently, can be added manually or via Dolistore.

The system is designed to allow seamless addition and removal of modules without modifying the core codebase.

3. What Are Third-Party Modules?

Third-party modules are external extensions developed by individuals or companies that enhance Dolibarr’s functionality. These modules are not maintained by the core Dolibarr development team but often follow the same design principles.

Examples include:

• Payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Stancer)

• Advanced project management tools

• Inventory or e-commerce connectors

• Business intelligence dashboards

4. Why Use Third-Party Modules?

• Feature Expansion: Gain access to features not available in core modules.

• Industry Specialization: Modules tailored to specific sectors.

• Time Savings: Avoid reinventing the wheel by leveraging existing solutions.

• Integration: Bridge Dolibarr with third-party platforms or services.

5. Sourcing Trusted Modules

Modules can be downloaded from:

• Dolistore: The official marketplace.

• GitHub and developer websites.

• Partner networks or integrator packages.

Criteria to Evaluate a Module:

• Compatible Dolibarr versions listed

• Recent updates and changelogs

• Developer reputation or certifications

• Documentation and support availability

Avoid using modules from unknown or unverified sources.

6. Preparing Your Dolibarr Environment

Before installing any module:

• Backup your database and file system

• Identify your Dolibarr version (Home > About)

• Note your current active modules

• Test module in a staging environment first

Set developer mode ($dolibarr_main_prod = 0;) in conf.php for better debugging.

7. Step-by-Step Installation of a Third-Party Module

Typical installation steps:

1. Download the module ZIP file

2. Unzip it locally

3. Place the folder in /htdocs/custom/

4. Log in to Dolibarr as admin

5. Go to Home > Setup > Modules/Applications

6. Find and activate the new module

Ensure the folder name matches the module name to avoid loading issues.

8. Manual Installation via FTP

For users with remote servers:

• Use an FTP client (FileZilla, WinSCP)

• Upload the unzipped module folder to /htdocs/custom/

• Set appropriate permissions (chmod -R 755)

• Validate that conf.php and install.lock are untouched

Manual installation is useful when direct access to the web admin interface is limited.

9. Using the Dolibarr Module Loader

Recent versions of Dolibarr include a module loader:

• Go to Setup > Modules/Applications > Install Module

• Upload the ZIP directly from your computer

• The system automatically unzips and places it correctly

• Activate the module and follow post-install instructions

This is the preferred method for most users.

10. Common Issues During Installation and How to Solve Them

11. Activating and Configuring a Third-Party Module

After activation:

• Navigate to the module's settings page

• Configure constants, API keys, or behaviors

• Assign user permissions via Users & Groups > Permissions

• Check logs for errors or warnings during initial use

Refer to the module’s documentation for specific setup details.

12. Managing Dependencies and Compatibility

Some modules require other modules to be active (e.g., third-party data for invoicing extensions).

Tips:

• Read the modModuleName.class.php descriptor for dependencies

• Do not disable required base modules

• Use semantic versioning to track compatibility

13. Updating Modules Safely

• Backup before updates

• Check the changelog

• Follow the vendor’s upgrade instructions

• Avoid overwriting customizations—store them in /custom/

For modules downloaded from Dolistore, updates are usually provided via the same account.

14. Testing New Features in a Staging Environment

Always test before rolling out to production:

• Duplicate your Dolibarr installation to a subdomain or local environment

• Install the module and verify workflows

• Test with multiple user roles

• Monitor error logs and performance impact

15. Performance Considerations with External Modules

Some third-party modules may:

• Add extra queries or database load

• Conflict with other modules’ styles or hooks

Tips:

• Use caching where applicable

• Limit simultaneous module activation

• Audit modules periodically for performance

16. Security Best Practices

• Never use modules from unknown sources

• Remove unused or outdated modules

• Review source code if possible

• Limit module access by user rights

• Avoid modules that require core file changes

17. User Access and Rights Management for New Modules

Each module usually defines its own rights:

• Go to Users & Groups > Permissions

• Assign access by user group

• Use test accounts to verify permissions

Do not grant admin-level access unless necessary.

18. Handling Conflicts Between Modules

Symptoms of conflicts:

• UI glitches

• Overwritten behaviors

• Duplicate menu items

Resolution strategies:

• Deactivate modules one at a time

• Review hook implementation priorities

• Contact developers if modules are from different vendors

19. Best Practices for Maintenance and Documentation

• Maintain a changelog of module installations and updates

• Store vendor contact and license details

• Use Git to track changes if modules are customized

• Revalidate module behavior after every Dolibarr upgrade

20. Conclusion

Integrating third-party modules into Dolibarr greatly enhances its capabilities and can unlock powerful, industry-specific workflows. However, doing so without proper precautions can introduce instability or security issues. By following a structured process—sourcing responsibly, testing thoroughly, and managing configuration and permissions—you ensure your Dolibarr system remains robust, secure, and scalable.