Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Why Modules Matter in Dolibarr

  3. Selection Criteria for Essential Modules in 2025

  4. Module #1: Advanced Permissions

  5. Module #2: Dolibarr Mobile App Connector

  6. Module #3: Multi-Currency Management

  7. Module #4: Project Gantt and Task Planning

  8. Module #5: WooCommerce & Prestashop Synchronization

  9. Bonus Mentions: Other Popular Modules to Consider

  10. How to Install and Maintain Third-Party Modules Safely

  11. Ensuring Module Compatibility with Dolibarr Updates

  12. Community vs. Commercial Modules: Pros and Cons

  13. Security Considerations When Using External Modules

  14. How Modules Influence Performance and Scalability

  15. Evaluating ROI of Paid Modules

  16. Case Study: Optimizing a Growing Company Using These Modules

  17. Feedback from the Dolibarr Community

  18. Module Development Trends in 2025

  19. Recommendations for Module Customization

  20. Conclusion and Strategic Guidance

1. Introduction

Dolibarr ERP & CRM is a flexible, modular open-source platform used by thousands of businesses worldwide. What makes Dolibarr stand out is its ability to be extended through community or proprietary modules. As businesses adapt to increasing digital demands in 2025, choosing the right set of modules is crucial to maximize efficiency, data visibility, and process automation.

This guide explores the top 5 essential modules every Dolibarr user should consider using in 2025, based on user adoption trends, feature richness, and business value.

2. Why Modules Matter in Dolibarr

Modules add functionality that is not included in the Dolibarr core. They provide industry-specific tools, user interface improvements, integration with third-party platforms, and automation features. With the right combination of modules, a small or mid-sized company can scale its operations significantly.

3. Selection Criteria for Essential Modules in 2025

For this article, the top 5 modules were selected based on:

  • Popularity among users in the Dolibarr ecosystem

  • Compatibility with Dolibarr v18 and v19

  • Stability and update frequency

  • Integration capability with core modules

  • Return on investment

4. Module #1: Advanced Permissions

The Advanced Permissions module allows for detailed control over who can access or modify specific records, modules, or fields. Unlike the default Dolibarr permission system, which is group-based and limited in scope, this module enables:

  • User-specific restrictions

  • Field-level visibility

  • Conditional access (e.g., based on project ownership)

In 2025, data privacy regulations and internal security protocols make this module essential for compliance and operational discipline.

5. Module #2: Dolibarr Mobile App Connector

Mobility is no longer optional. With distributed teams and hybrid work environments, the Mobile App Connector module bridges Dolibarr with native Android/iOS applications. Features include:

  • Real-time access to proposals, invoices, projects

  • Offline data entry with later synchronization

  • Push notifications for tasks, messages, or document changes

Businesses that rely on field agents, technicians, or remote sales teams benefit greatly from having Dolibarr accessible on the go.

6. Module #3: Multi-Currency Management

As businesses globalize, dealing with multiple currencies becomes standard. This module supports:

  • Assigning different currencies to clients and suppliers

  • Real-time or manual exchange rate configuration

  • Accurate reporting and conversion to base currency

Multi-Currency Management is crucial for companies in ecommerce, international trade, or consulting services.

7. Module #4: Project Gantt and Task Planning

The default Project module in Dolibarr is functional but basic. The Gantt and Task Planning module enhances project oversight by adding:

  • Gantt chart visualizations

  • Drag-and-drop task scheduling

  • Resource allocation and workload balancing

In 2025, managing time and resource constraints is essential. This module is a must-have for agencies, construction firms, and development teams.

8. Module #5: WooCommerce & Prestashop Synchronization

For online sellers, seamless integration between their e-commerce store and ERP is non-negotiable. This synchronization module ensures:

  • Real-time sync of products, stock, and prices

  • Automatic import of orders into Dolibarr

  • Unified customer and invoice management

With ecommerce still growing rapidly in 2025, this module remains critical for inventory accuracy and fulfillment speed.

9. Bonus Mentions: Other Popular Modules to Consider

  • Stancer Payment Integration

  • Document Generation Enhancements

  • CRM Kanban View

  • Time Tracking with Punch In/Out

  • Electronic Signature (Docusign-like integrations)

These modules may not make the top 5 list but are highly valuable based on business context.

10. How to Install and Maintain Third-Party Modules Safely

Installing modules from Dolistore or GitHub involves:

  • Uploading files to the /htdocs/custom/ directory

  • Activating via Setup > Modules

  • Verifying compatibility with current Dolibarr version

Keep backups and document all changes for rollback scenarios.

11. Ensuring Module Compatibility with Dolibarr Updates

Before updating Dolibarr:

  • Test new versions in a staging environment

  • Check module changelogs and update history

  • Reach out to developers for support if needed

Some modules break when Dolibarr's core API changes, so always prepare.

12. Community vs. Commercial Modules: Pros and Cons

Community Modules:

  • Free, open-source

  • Often more flexible and transparent

Commercial Modules:

  • Supported and maintained by developers

  • Typically have better documentation and support

Choose based on your team’s technical ability and risk tolerance.

13. Security Considerations When Using External Modules

  • Ensure source code review (especially from GitHub)

  • Limit file permissions post-installation

  • Use SSL and secure credentials for modules that use APIs

Avoid installing modules from untrusted or unverified sources.

14. How Modules Influence Performance and Scalability

Poorly coded modules can:

  • Slow down page load times

  • Create database bottlenecks

  • Conflict with other plugins

Monitor performance and run stress tests periodically.

15. Evaluating ROI of Paid Modules

Determine:

  • Time saved vs manual processes

  • Reduction in errors or duplicated work

  • Increase in customer satisfaction or revenue

Modules are investments; measure their impact over time.

16. Case Study: Optimizing a Growing Company Using These Modules

A mid-sized logistics firm used:

  • Advanced Permissions to restrict HR and Finance access

  • Mobile App Connector for delivery personnel

  • Gantt Planning to schedule internal maintenance

  • WooCommerce Sync to manage online parts orders

They reduced manual reconciliation by 70% and improved project delivery time by 30%.

17. Feedback from the Dolibarr Community

On forums like dolibarr.org and GitHub:

  • Advanced Permissions and Project Planning modules receive consistent praise

  • Synchronization modules have improved greatly with frequent updates

  • Mobile apps are a key request for future improvements

User feedback continues to shape module development.

18. Module Development Trends in 2025

  • Shift to cloud-first integrations

  • More AI-based reporting modules

  • Better UX through modern frontend frameworks (Vue.js)

  • REST API usage for cross-platform apps

Modules are evolving with modern development practices.

19. Recommendations for Module Customization

If needed:

  • Work with certified Dolibarr developers

  • Use Git for version control of your custom modules

  • Document all changes and dependencies

Customize only when core functionality doesn’t meet your workflow needs.

20. Conclusion and Strategic Guidance

Choosing the right modules can elevate your Dolibarr system from a basic ERP to a fully integrated digital command center. The five modules highlighted here—Advanced Permissions, Mobile App Connector, Multi-Currency Management, Project Gantt Planning, and WooCommerce Synchronization—represent some of the best tools to future-proof your ERP setup in 2025.

Stay informed of new releases, participate in the community, and always test new modules in a safe environment. Dolibarr’s modular architecture is one of its greatest strengths—leverage it to build a system tailored to your business vision.