Project Management Modules in Dolibarr: What to Choose and Why

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Why Use Dolibarr for Project Management?

3. Understanding Dolibarr’s Core Project Module

4. Key Features of the Native Project Module

5. Limitations of the Core Module

6. Criteria for Choosing the Right Project Management Add-ons

7. Overview of the Most Popular Project Management Modules

   • 7.1 Gantt View / Project Timeline Modules

   • 7.2 Task Kanban View

   • 7.3 Time Tracking Enhancements

   • 7.4 Project Budget and Cost Control

   • 7.5 Project Templates and Cloning Tools

   • 7.6 Resource Allocation and Workload Management

   • 7.7 Agile and Scrum Tools

   • 7.8 External Collaboration Add-ons

   • 7.9 Document and Version Control for Projects

   • 7.10 Notification and Automation Tools

8. Integration Between Project Management and Other Modules

9. Customization Options for Project Workflows

10. Use Cases by Business Type

11. Best Practices When Deploying Project Tools in Dolibarr

12. Common Mistakes to Avoid

13. Comparison Table: Core vs Add-ons

14. Strategic Recommendations

15. Resources and Where to Find Modules

1. Introduction

Project management is a critical function across industries—from digital agencies and software developers to construction firms, consultancies, and NGOs. For organizations using Dolibarr ERP & CRM, project management can be fully integrated into the ecosystem that already handles clients, billing, documents, and time tracking.

While Dolibarr comes with a native project management module, its power lies in the modular extensions available via the Dolistore marketplace and the open-source community. With the right set of modules, Dolibarr transforms from a basic ERP into a full-fledged project operations hub.

This guide explores the native capabilities of Dolibarr's project management module and compares the most relevant add-ons and extensions to help you choose the best solution for your needs.

2. Why Use Dolibarr for Project Management?

Dolibarr offers several advantages for managing projects:

• Unified system: Projects are linked with sales, invoices, HR, inventory, and accounting.

• Customizable workflows: Adapt the platform to your team’s methods—waterfall, agile, hybrid.

• Time and budget tracking: Native integration with timesheets and expenses.

• Open source and affordable: Avoid costly enterprise licenses.

• Accessible anywhere: Web-based and mobile-friendly interfaces.

By managing projects within Dolibarr, you minimize tool switching, streamline data access, and improve cross-department collaboration.

3. Understanding Dolibarr’s Core Project Module

Dolibarr includes a core Project module that can be activated from:

Home > Setup > Modules/Applications > Project

Once enabled, users can:

• Create new projects

• Define internal vs external visibility

• Add tasks to projects

• Assign users to tasks

• Track progress and time

• Link documents, invoices, and proposals

The module is simple but functional, suitable for small teams or organizations with straightforward project needs.

4. Key Features of the Native Project Module

The built-in Project module includes:

4.1 Project Creation and Hierarchy

• Define project reference, label, customer, and status.

• Use categories for grouping and filtering.

• Add sub-projects (limited nesting).

4.2 Task Management

• Create tasks with expected duration.

• Assign users or teams.

• Mark progress percentage manually.

• Link tasks to invoices or proposals.

• Add notes, descriptions, and comments.

4.3 Time Tracking

• Log hours worked per user and task.

• View time spent vs expected time.

• Export time records.

4.4 Document Attachment

• Attach specifications, designs, reports, and more.

• Linked to both projects and tasks.

• Stored securely in Dolibarr’s document system.

4.5 Integration with Other Modules

• Link with third parties (clients)

• Generate invoices from tasks or timesheets

• Add expenses per project

It’s a practical solution for teams already using Dolibarr for billing, documents, and client management.

5. Limitations of the Core Module

While robust for basic needs, the core module lacks:

• Gantt chart views or task dependencies

• Drag-and-drop task reordering

• Workload management or availability charts

• Advanced reporting or dashboards

• Kanban-style task flow

• Resource balancing

• Agile features like sprints or story points

This is where additional project management modules come into play.

6. Criteria for Choosing the Right Project Management Add-ons

To select the best module(s) for your team, consider:

• Your team’s workflow (agile, waterfall, mixed)

• Number of users and concurrent projects

• Industry-specific needs (e.g., construction vs. IT)

• Reporting and dashboard needs

• Level of task complexity

• Need for collaboration or client access

• Time, cost, and resource tracking depth

You may not need every add-on. Often, a combination of 2–3 targeted modules offers the best value and usability.

7. Overview of the Most Popular Project Management Modules

Let’s now explore the most powerful and widely-used project-related modules compatible with Dolibarr.

7.1 Gantt View / Project Timeline Modules

Add dynamic Gantt charts that allow:

• Drag-and-drop of task bars

• Dependencies and critical paths

• Zoom and date range filtering

• Exporting to PNG or PDF

Popular Modules:

• Gantt Professional

• Gantt Chart View Extended

These are essential for teams using waterfall project structures.

7.2 Task Kanban View

Transforms your task list into a visual Kanban board:

• Columns for statuses (To Do, In Progress, Done)

• Drag-and-drop movement

• Custom columns and filters

• Task tagging and color coding

Ideal For: Agile teams, marketing departments, or IT support ticket flows.

7.3 Time Tracking Enhancements

Adds features like:

• Real-time timers (start/stop)

• Bulk timesheet entry

• Mobile-compatible time entry

• Approvals and validation workflows

Pairs well with billing modules, ensuring logged time can be invoiced.

7.4 Project Budget and Cost Control

Allows entry of:

• Estimated project budgets

• Actual spend (linked to expenses and purchases)

• Burn rate and cost overrun indicators

• Profitability metrics per project

Great for consulting, engineering, or event planning.

7.5 Project Templates and Cloning Tools

Useful for recurring projects with the same structure:

• Predefined task hierarchies

• Pre-set durations and assignments

• Duplication of documents and milestones

Reduces setup time and maintains consistency across similar projects.

7.6 Resource Allocation and Workload Management

In medium to large teams, resource planning becomes essential. These modules help you:

• Assign workload by percentage or hours

• Visualize overbooking or underutilization

• Balance tasks across team members

• Generate workload calendars per resource

Recommended Module:

• Resource Planning (available on Dolistore)

Especially useful for agencies, development teams, and service businesses that juggle overlapping projects and deadlines.

7.7 Agile and Scrum Tools

For teams working with Agile methodologies, several modules add:

• Sprint planning and backlog management

• Story points and velocity tracking

• Scrum board visualization

• Burndown charts

• Epics and sub-tasks structure

These are less common in traditional ERP systems, but Dolibarr’s ecosystem now includes options for Agile practitioners, including integration with task Kanban and time tracking modules.

7.8 External Collaboration Add-ons

Not all collaborators will log into Dolibarr. These modules support external involvement:

• Share task status or project reports with clients via a portal

• Allow file uploads from outside users

• Enable email-based project updates

• Public Gantt or Kanban views with restricted access

This promotes transparency and client engagement, without requiring full user licenses.

7.9 Document and Version Control for Projects

Project documentation is often extensive and evolves over time. These modules offer:

• Version control of attached documents

• Automated naming conventions

• Status and approval flows (e.g., draft > approved > archived)

• Previewing or commenting on documents

Used frequently in architecture, consulting, and legal projects.

7.10 Notification and Automation Tools

Modules in this category help reduce manual follow-up:

• Email reminders for overdue tasks

• Slack or Teams integration

• Task triggers on status change

• Custom workflows (e.g., notify finance when task reaches billing stage)

These tools support automation and internal coordination, making project managers more efficient.

8. Integration Between Project Management and Other Modules

One of Dolibarr’s core strengths is how the project module connects with other parts of the ERP:

8.1 Third Parties and Contracts

• Projects are tied to clients (third parties)

• Link contracts, quotes, and invoices directly to projects

• Generate project reports per client

8.2 Invoicing and Billing

• Convert tracked time into invoices

• Bill by milestone, task, or time spent

• Integrate with the accounting module to track project revenue vs expenses

8.3 Human Resources and Timesheets

• Link employees to tasks

• Use HR modules to track leave, capacity, and availability

• Combine with time-tracking for payroll alignment

8.4 Documents and Proposals

• Share specifications, designs, and meeting notes

• Maintain a clean audit trail per project

• Generate proposals directly from project scope

Integration leads to fewer errors, better data reuse, and increased productivity.

9. Customization Options for Project Workflows

Dolibarr offers several ways to adapt project workflows:

• Custom task statuses: Beyond To Do/In Progress/Done

• Extra fields: Add custom data points to projects or tasks

• Triggers: Fire events when a project reaches certain states

• User permissions: Limit visibility by role or department

• Custom menus or tabs: Simplify UI for project-specific users

With access to PHP and the Dolibarr API, developers can even build custom logic for project phases, approvals, or automation chains.

10. Use Cases by Business Type

This shows how Dolibarr’s flexibility allows cross-industry adaptation with the right configuration.

11. Best Practices When Deploying Project Tools in Dolibarr

1. Start simple: Activate only the core module first to learn the basics.

2. Define your workflow: Choose waterfall, agile, or hybrid—then select modules accordingly.

3. Use templates: If your projects are similar, use a duplication module.

4. Train users: Each team should know how to log time, update progress, and upload documents.

5. Review KPIs regularly: Use dashboards to monitor project health.

6. Audit access rights: Limit sensitive information to the right people.

7. Test module compatibility: Use a staging environment before adding multiple third-party modules.

A structured rollout ensures user adoption and minimizes chaos.

12. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Following best practices ensures long-term system reliability and data accuracy.

13. Comparison Table: Core vs Add-on Modules

This shows how core features cover essentials, but add-ons provide depth and flexibility.

14. Strategic Recommendations

Here’s how to approach your project management strategy in Dolibarr:

• For basic needs (small internal projects): Start with the core Project module.

• For client billing and deliverables: Add time tracking and document control modules.

• For agile teams: Combine Kanban and sprint planning modules.

• For multi-project organizations: Use resource planning and Gantt chart add-ons.

• For external reporting: Enable document sharing and PDF export modules.

In all cases, match your toolset to your workflow, not the other way around.

15. Resources and Where to Find Modules

• Dolibarr Official Site

• Dolistore Project Modules

• Dolibarr Wiki – Project Module Docs

• GitHub – Community Modules

• Dolibarr Forum – Project Management Discussions

• Custom Module Development Guide