Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Understanding Dolibarr’s Modular Architecture

  3. Criteria for Choosing the Right Starter Modules

  4. Essential Core Modules to Enable Immediately

  5. CRM and Customer Management Modules

  6. Quotation and Invoicing Tools

  7. Product and Service Catalog Management

  8. Inventory and Stock Tracking Essentials

  9. Expense Reporting and Payment Management

  10. Project and Task Management Modules

  11. Human Resources and Time Tracking

  12. Accounting and Financial Overview Tools

  13. Calendar and Scheduling Tools

  14. Document Management System (DMS)

  15. Third-Party and Supplier Management

  16. PDF Customization for Professional Documents

  17. Email and Notification Modules

  18. Security and Access Control Features

  19. Backup and Maintenance Modules

  20. Modules to Avoid or Postpone

  21. Tips for Testing and Configuring New Modules

  22. Preparing Your System for Future Growth

  23. Conclusion: Building a Solid ERP Foundation with the Right Modules

1. Introduction

Once you've installed Dolibarr ERP/CRM, the first and most important decision is choosing which modules to activate. Dolibarr offers a modular system that allows you to activate only the functionalities your business actually needs. But with over 100 modules available, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

This article presents a detailed roadmap for selecting the most useful and widely used modules to activate immediately after installation. Whether you’re a freelancer, a startup, or an established SME, these modules will help you build a clean, functional ERP system from day one.

2. Understanding Dolibarr’s Modular Architecture

Dolibarr works by enabling and configuring individual modules from the main application. Each module focuses on a business domain:

  • Sales

  • Accounting

  • Inventory

  • HR

  • Projects

Modules can be enabled or disabled based on the specific needs of your business. This allows you to build a lean and efficient system without unnecessary complexity.

3. Criteria for Choosing the Right Starter Modules

Choose modules based on:

  • Immediate business needs

  • Size and type of your organization

  • Legal or compliance requirements

  • Team workflows and roles

Avoid enabling too many modules upfront. Start with the essentials, then expand as your team grows familiar with the platform.

4. Essential Core Modules to Enable Immediately

These are foundational and required for most workflows:

  • Users and Permissions: Manage who can access what

  • Third Parties: Central database for clients and suppliers

  • Products/Services: List and categorize what you sell

  • Commercial Proposals: Create quotes for prospects

  • Invoices: Bill clients and track payments

These modules lay the groundwork for your ERP system.

5. CRM and Customer Management Modules

For client relationships and pipeline tracking:

  • CRM Module: Manage prospects and activities

  • Agenda: Schedule follow-ups and meetings

  • Actions/Tasks: Log phone calls, emails, and events

These tools help you stay connected to your prospects and existing clients.

6. Quotation and Invoicing Tools

Enable the following:

  • Proposals: Create estimates or quotes

  • Orders: Track client or supplier orders

  • Invoices: Bill customers and follow up

  • Payments: Record receipts and reconcile

This suite ensures that you can handle the full sales lifecycle from lead to cash.

7. Product and Service Catalog Management

Even small businesses benefit from structured catalogs:

  • Product/Service Module: Organize offerings by category

  • Define unit prices, VAT rates, and references

  • Add images or technical specs for clarity

These details help streamline quotations and invoicing.

8. Inventory and Stock Tracking Essentials

If you manage physical goods:

  • Stock Module: Monitor available quantities

  • Warehouse Management: Assign products to locations

  • Stock Movement: Track transfers and deliveries

This is essential for product-based businesses, even at small scale.

9. Expense Reporting and Payment Management

To track company expenses:

  • Expense Reports: For employees to submit travel or office costs

  • Bank/Cash: Register and reconcile account transactions

These modules help maintain financial visibility and reimbursement workflows.

10. Project and Task Management Modules

For service providers or teams working on deliverables:

  • Projects: Create and track project milestones

  • Tasks: Assign and manage responsibilities

  • Gantt View (add-on): Visualize timelines and dependencies

Ideal for consultants, agencies, and technical teams.

11. Human Resources and Time Tracking

If you have staff or contractors:

  • HRM Module: Maintain employee records

  • Leave Requests: Manage vacation and absences

  • Time Tracking: Log time on tasks or projects

These modules are useful for managing productivity and payroll.

12. Accounting and Financial Overview Tools

For daily finance management:

  • Accounting Module (Simple or Advanced)

  • Journal Entries: Manual corrections and entries

  • VAT Declaration: Configure regional tax rules

These features can grow with your accounting needs or connect to external software.

13. Calendar and Scheduling Tools

Stay organized with:

  • Agenda: Core calendar for all users

  • Public Holidays and Working Days: Define availability

  • Sync with Google Calendar (via connector module)

Helps centralize meetings, tasks, and absences.

14. Document Management System (DMS)

Centralize files:

  • Documents Module: Attach files to clients, projects, and invoices

  • Secure uploads by permission

  • Organize folders by entity

This improves auditability and team collaboration.

15. Third-Party and Supplier Management

Not just for clients:

  • Track supplier info and purchase terms

  • Attach contracts and documents

  • Create and follow purchase orders

This enables smoother procurement and vendor accountability.

16. PDF Customization for Professional Documents

For branding and compliance:

  • Choose default templates for proposals and invoices

  • Edit footer messages with legal info

  • Install advanced PDF modules from Dolistore for custom layout

Clean, branded documents boost your business image.

17. Email and Notification Modules

Enable:

  • Email Templates: Reusable message formats

  • Automatic Alerts: For overdue tasks or invoices

  • SMTP configuration for sending from your business domain

This helps automate communication and maintain professionalism.

18. Security and Access Control Features

Configure:

  • Role-based access for each module

  • IP restrictions (optional)

  • Audit log (from Dolistore)

Security is essential from day one—especially for sensitive business data.

19. Backup and Maintenance Modules

Ensure resilience:

  • Schedule database exports

  • Install server monitoring or backup scripts

  • Use external backup tools if needed

A basic backup strategy prevents catastrophic loss.

20. Modules to Avoid or Postpone

Hold off on these unless needed:

  • Advanced accounting (if you use external software)

  • Manufacturing (if you're not producing goods)

  • External connectors (WooCommerce, Stripe) until core setup is stable

Start lean, then expand.

21. Tips for Testing and Configuring New Modules

  • Use a sandbox environment for testing

  • Enable modules one at a time

  • Train users with basic workflows

  • Review logs for errors or access issues

Careful rollout avoids confusion and bugs.

22. Preparing Your System for Future Growth

Plan ahead:

  • Document your module settings

  • Use consistent naming for products and contacts

  • Tag users and customers by category

Good habits now will pay off as your system scales.

23. Conclusion: Building a Solid ERP Foundation with the Right Modules

Activating the right Dolibarr modules early on lays the groundwork for efficient, scalable operations. By focusing on essentials—like CRM, invoicing, products, and project management—you’ll have a powerful ERP system without clutter. Add more as your business evolves, but start with a smart, well-structured setup that reflects your real needs.