Client Requirement

The client was running a heavily customized Dolibarr v12 instance, including custom PDF invoice templates, extended CRM fields, workflow automations, and multiple third-party module integrations. The primary goal was to upgrade to the latest stable Dolibarr v18 without any data loss, downtime, or disruption to existing business processes—while also ensuring future upgrades would be simple and risk-free.

The Challenge

• Preserve all historical data, relationships, and audit trails
• Safely migrate customizations that were spread across core files and external directories
• Avoid risky database imports and schema conflicts
• Ensure zero impact on the live production environment
• Future-proof the system for upcoming Dolibarr versions

Why CnEL India Was the Right Choice

CnEL India stood out due to its deep expertise in complex ERP upgrades and its disciplined, risk-averse approach. Instead of opting for a shortcut, our team followed Dolibarr’s official upgrade methodology, ensuring full compatibility and long-term stability.

• Proven Dolibarr Expertise: In-depth understanding of Dolibarr’s upgrade wizard, database migrations, and module architecture.
• Zero-Data-Loss Strategy: Leveraged Dolibarr’s automated upgrade chain (v12 → v18) to safely migrate all schemas and data.
• Staging-First Approach: All work executed on a secure staging environment, keeping production untouched until final approval.
• Future-Proof Customization: All custom code migrated into the /custom/ directory, ensuring smooth upgrades going forward.
• Transparent Communication: Weekly updates, shared staging access, and collaborative testing with the client’s team.

Solution Overview

CnEL India designed and executed a structured, three-week upgrade plan that prioritized safety, validation, and long-term maintainability.

Key Execution Steps

• Assessment & Full Backup: Complete database and file-system backups with off-site retention.
• Customization Audit: Identified all core and non-core modifications.
• Staging Upgrade: Cloned production, installed Dolibarr v18, and ran the official upgrade wizard.
• Customization Migration: Refactored and relocated all custom code into /custom/modules/, /custom/pdf/, and related directories.
• Module Updates: Updated all third-party modules to v18-compatible versions.
• Rigorous Testing: Replicated real-world workflows and validated end-to-end functionality.
• Production Go-Live: Smooth deployment during a short maintenance window with post-launch monitoring.

Results Delivered

• Successful upgrade from Dolibarr v12 to v18 with zero data loss
• All custom workflows and PDFs functioning as expected
• Production downtime limited to a short, planned maintenance window
• System fully future-proofed for upcoming Dolibarr releases
• Comprehensive documentation, training, and post-launch support provided

Client Review

“CnEL India handled our Dolibarr upgrade with exceptional professionalism. Their insistence on using the official upgrade path saved us from potential data and stability issues. Every customization was carefully migrated, tested, and documented. The staging-first approach gave us complete confidence before going live. This was one of the smoothest ERP upgrades we’ve ever experienced.”

— Project Stakeholder

Conclusion

This project highlights why CnEL India is a trusted partner for complex ERP upgrades. By combining technical depth, meticulous planning, and client-focused execution, CnEL India delivered a secure, seamless, and future-ready Dolibarr upgrade—exactly as promised.