Dolibarr Pricing: What Is the Real Value of This Open-Source ERP?

Using an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is essential for companies looking to centralize their processes and increase efficiency. Among the most popular solutions, Dolibarr stands out for its open-source model and great flexibility. But beyond its features, a crucial question arises: What is the real cost of Dolibarr? This article aims to explore in detail the pricing model of Dolibarr and evaluate the value it can offer to your business.

1. Introduction to Dolibarr: Open-Source ERP

Before diving into the costs, it’s important to understand what Dolibarr is. It is an open-source ERP/CRM system that allows businesses to efficiently manage several key business processes, including:

• Customer and prospect management (CRM)
• Invoicing and accounting
• Inventory and purchasing management
• Project and human resources management

Dolibarr is highly modular, meaning you can activate only the features you need, making it accessible for both small businesses and large organizations. But then, what is the real value of this open-source ERP?

2. Cost of Installing Dolibarr

One of the main reasons Dolibarr is attractive is its initial cost. As open-source software, it is available for free. However, this "free" cost can be misleading, as there are indirect costs to consider. Here are the key cost areas to anticipate:

2.1. Hosting and Infrastructure

While Dolibarr itself is free, you will need to invest in hosting to run the ERP, especially if you plan to use it on an online server.

• Shared Hosting: An affordable solution for small businesses, with costs starting around €5 per month.
• Dedicated or VPS Servers: For businesses needing more power or security, dedicated servers or VPS can cost between €20 and €100 per month, depending on the required performance.

2.2. Configuration and Installation

Even though Dolibarr is relatively easy to install, you might need technical expertise to properly configure the ERP and integrate it with your internal systems.

• Cost of a system administrator: If you hire a professional for configuration, this could cost between €50 and €100 per hour.
• Installation time: If you decide to do it yourself, complete configuration might take between 5 and 10 hours, depending on your experience.

3. Cost of Dolibarr Modules and Extensions

Dolibarr comes with a set of basic free modules, but specific features may require the purchase of additional modules through the DoliStore marketplace. These modules add features such as:

• Integration with other systems (accounting, e-commerce)
• Online payments
• Advanced reporting

The cost of these modules can range from €20 to €500, depending on the complexity and the scope of the added functionality. It’s important to consider these costs if you require specific features.

4. Customization and Development

One of the greatest advantages of open-source software like Dolibarr is the ability to fully customize it to your company’s needs. However, this flexibility can incur additional costs if you require custom development.

4.1. Custom Development Costs

Developing custom features for Dolibarr may require hiring a developer or specialized agency.

• Developer rates: A developer specialized in Dolibarr or open-source ERPs typically charges between €50 and €120 per hour, depending on their experience and the project’s complexity.
• Development time: Depending on your company’s needs, development time for custom solutions could range from a few days to several months.

4.2. Integration with Third-Party Services

If your business already uses other tools, you may need to integrate Dolibarr with third-party systems such as e-commerce platforms (WooCommerce, Prestashop), accounting tools (QuickBooks, Sage), or online payment solutions. These integrations may require additional modules or custom development.

5. Maintenance and Updating Dolibarr

Once Dolibarr is installed and configured, you must consider the maintenance costs. Even though Dolibarr is robust, every ERP system requires regular upkeep to ensure smooth operation and data security.

5.1. Updates

Regular updates to Dolibarr are crucial to benefit from new features and security patches.

• Manual update: If you have technical skills, you can update Dolibarr yourself. This can take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on complexity.
• Update by a professional: If you hire an expert to perform the updates, it can cost between €100 and €300, depending on the frequency and the system’s needs.

5.2. Technical Support

While Dolibarr’s open-source community is very active, some businesses prefer to have dedicated support.

• Free support: You can get help through forums and official documentation.
• Paid support: Some companies offer support services for Dolibarr, with packages starting around €50 per month, depending on the level of assistance required.

6. SaaS Hosting vs. Self-Hosted

Dolibarr can be installed on your own server (self-hosted) or used through a SaaS (Software as a Service) provider. Each option comes with its pros and cons.

6.1. Self-Hosted

• Initial cost: Higher due to hosting, configuration, and maintenance fees.
• Total control: You have complete control over the server, data, and customizations.
• Flexibility: You can adjust configurations based on your company’s specific needs.

6.2. SaaS Hosting

Several companies offer Dolibarr SaaS services, where you pay a monthly fee to use Dolibarr without worrying about hosting or technical maintenance.

• Monthly cost: Generally ranges from €20 to €50 per month for small businesses and can go up to €200 or more for companies with more complex needs.
• Ease of use: No need to manage the technical infrastructure. All updates and maintenance are handled by the provider.
• Limitations: Less freedom to deeply customize and less control over data hosting.

7. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The total cost of ownership (TCO) is an overall estimate of all costs associated with using Dolibarr over the long term. This includes:

• Initial setup costs (hosting, configuration)
• Recurring costs (monthly hosting, maintenance, support)
• Additional costs (customization, modules)

For a small business using shared hosting with minimal customizations, the annual TCO could range between €500 and €1,000. For a larger business requiring dedicated hosting, premium modules, and custom development, this cost could easily exceed €5,000 to €10,000 per year.

Conclusion

Dolibarr is an incredibly flexible and economical ERP solution for businesses seeking a powerful and modular system. However, while the software is free, it’s essential to consider the hidden costs associated with its installation, customization, and maintenance. For many companies, Dolibarr represents exceptional value due to its flexibility and open-source model. However, it’s crucial to plan for expenses related to hosting, modules, custom development, and maintenance to get a realistic estimate of the actual value of this ERP.