Dolibarr is a powerful open source ERP and CRM software that is useful for businesses of all shapes and sizes. It comes with a host of features, including everything from basic HR tools to marketing and productivity integrations. It’s also an easy-to-use option once you get started.
However, Dolibarr is a self-hosted program, which means it can be a bit difficult to get up and running. Here, we have provided a clear step-by-step guide to get started with this popular ERP software.
How to install a free ERP software called Dolibarr: Preparation
Before you can install Dolibarr, you will need web hosting. We chose Hostinger (Opens in a new tab), one of the world’s most popular hosts. They usually offer super affordable hosting options backed by advanced security and an easy-to-use control panel, and we’ve even managed to offer free hosting to our readers with an exclusive deal!
Next is to install Dolibarr on your hosting server. Hostinger allows for simplified one-click installation via its automatic installer. You can find this in your main hPanel control panel, and it includes various tools for managing your installation.
It’s a pretty self-explanatory process, but you can find a full guide here (Opens in a new tab) If you need help.
Most other web hosts include some kind of one-click installer, such as Softaculous or Installatron. But if your host doesn’t provide it, you will have to install Dolibarr manually. This can get tricky, so talk to your host’s support team if you’re having trouble.
Step 1: Enter your company information
The first time you log into the Dolibarr dashboard, you will have to complete some mandatory setup steps. The first one is to enter your company/organization information.
Nothing too difficult here, and you should be able to complete this step within a few minutes. Some of the things you’ll be asked to add include your company name, country of business, teacher ID, and tax administration settings.
Step 2: Select your units
Another mandatory setup step is to select the Dolibarr modules you wish to use. Head to Setup > Modules / Applications via the menu on the left of the screen.
First, browse through the available units and see what’s on offer. If you only want to use Dolibarr for HR purposes, add the relevant HR modules. But if you want to take advantage of the broader product offer, we suggest selecting as many modules as you think might be relevant.
Remember, you can always edit your units later.
You can also develop your own modules, upload external modules, and purchase third party modules through DoliStore (Opens in a new tab)Dolibarr unit market.
Step 3: Customize display settings
Next, head to Setup > Display to customize the layout and appearance of your Dolibarr interface. For starters, you can choose your language and customize several general settings.
Under the Skin and Colors tab, you can actually change the look of the app. Choose from two pre-installed themes and you can change the colors of everything from the page title to the table lines.
Additional themes can be downloaded from the DoliStore. You can also customize the appearance of the main dashboard and login pages from the respective tabs.
It’s also important to take the time to customize your menu options. Head to Setting > Menus. Under the List Wizards tab, you can select which of the two available List Wizards you want to use. The default is fine if you’re not sure.
The menu editor enables you to customize the menu entries. If you use the auguria menu wizard, you will be able to customize your menu to your heart’s content. With the eldy menu wizard, you’ll be a little more constrained.
Step 5: Check the advanced settings
The above four steps are the most important, but there are many other settings pages that we suggest checking out. They can all be found under the setup menu, and will enable you to customize everything from your security measures to your email and SMS settings.
Step 6: Add the users
By now, your Dolibarr should be all set up. To add new user profiles, head to Users and Groups > Users > New User. Here, you can provide information about each user, their position, and whether or not they are an employee of the company.
You can also manage existing users via Users and Groups > Users > User List. Once you add a new user, you can add or remove permissions via the Permissions tab.
summary
In this guide, we’ve provided clear instructions to help you install and get started with Dolibarr, a powerful self-hosted ERP software. Although it may sound like a bit complicated process, it really is not. The steps are completely self-explanatory, and Dolibarr has excellent documentation (Opens in a new tab).
If you’re looking for something simpler than Dolibarr’s turnkey solutions, take a look at our guide to the best CRM software. (Opens in a new tab) available today. Our guide to the best hosting providers (Opens in a new tab) And our Hostinger review (Opens in a new tab) It can also come in handy if you are having trouble choosing a web host.
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