📌 Project Overview

The client approached us with a requirement to upgrade their highly customized Dolibarr ERP/CRM from version 12 to the latest stable v18. Their existing setup included custom PDF invoice templates, extended CRM fields, workflow automations, and several third-party module integrations—all of which needed to be preserved with absolute accuracy.

After reviewing the client’s workflow video and system structure, we identified that a fresh installation with manual migration would introduce unnecessary risks. Instead, our experts recommended following Dolibarr’s official upgrade wizard, ensuring a direct, secure, and loss-free version jump from v12 to v18.

💡 Why CnEL India Was the Perfect Fit

• Dolibarr Expertise: Over a decade of hands-on experience with Dolibarr upgrades, customizations, module development, and complex migrations.
• Zero-Risk Approach: We strictly follow Dolibarr’s official migration guidelines—ensuring chained database updates and complete data protection.
• Customization Preservation: All client customizations were carefully audited, extracted, refactored, and migrated into the /custom/ directory to guarantee future-proof upgrade paths.
• Flawless Project Execution: Every step—backup, staging, testing, and deployment—was carried out with precision.
• Transparent Communication: Weekly updates, staging access for the client’s team, and complete documentation ensured clarity at each milestone.

🛠️ Step-By-Step Implementation

1️⃣ Assessment & Full Backup (Days 1–2)

• Confirmed server compatibility (PHP 8.1+, MySQL/MariaDB 10.5+).
• Created full database and file-system backups with off-site retention.
• Performed a deep audit of all existing customizations.

2️⃣ Staging Setup & Upgrade (Days 3–5)

• Cloned the production environment to a secure staging server.
• Installed Dolibarr v18.0.x.
• Executed the official upgrade wizard for safe automated database migration.
• Performed initial functionality validation.

3️⃣ Customization Migration & Testing (Days 6–14)

• Migrated all custom modules, templates, and overrides into the /custom/ structure.
• Refactored core modifications to ensure upgrade-safe architecture.
• Updated all third-party modules for v18 compatibility.
• Conducted rigorous workflow testing and bug resolution.

4️⃣ Production Go-Live (Days 15–18)

• Executed upgrade during a pre-scheduled maintenance window.
• Performed final QA checks and system validation.
• Delivered documentation, training, and 1-week post-launch support.

🚀 Outcome

The upgrade was deployed smoothly, with all custom workflows preserved perfectly. The client now runs Dolibarr v18 with improved performance, enhanced security, and a future-proofed customization structure that supports automated upgrades going forward.

⭐ Client Review

“The CnEL India team exceeded our expectations. They managed our Dolibarr upgrade from v12 to v18 with zero downtime and preserved every customization flawlessly. The staging process, communication, and attention to detail were outstanding. We now have a cleaner, faster, and fully future-proof system. Highly recommended!”

📅 Timeline

Week	Focus
1	Backup, audit, staging setup, initial upgrade
2	Customization migration, module updates, testing
3	Final testing, client validation, production go-live

📍 Final Deliverables

• Complete backup and recovery plan
• Secure staging and production upgrade
• Customization audit + migration to /custom/
• Third-party module updates
• Full testing
• Deployment, training, and post-launch support

📝 Conclusion

This project highlights CnEL India’s precision, expertise, and commitment to risk-free ERP upgrades. By combining deep technical knowledge with a structured and transparent workflow, we delivered a secure, scalable, and future-ready Dolibarr system for the client.