How a craftsman can save 5 hours a week with Dolibarr and Nextcloud
🗓️ Published on 16 June 2025
When you're a craftsman, every minute counts. Between quotes, invoices, project planning, client follow-ups, and document management, using tools that aren’t adapted to your needs quickly becomes a burden. Yet with the right setup, it’s entirely possible to lighten your daily load. That’s exactly what the combination of Dolibarr and Nextcloud, managed by Syncae, offers.
📋 A craftsman’s daily life without the right tools
Most independent professionals start out with a patchwork of digital habits: invoices in Word, quotes in Excel, scattered files across devices, and an overflowing inbox. The consequences are predictable:
- ⏱ Wasting time looking for files or client info
- 🧾 Risk of errors in invoicing or VAT tracking
- 📂 Poor visibility on ongoing and upcoming projects
- 🔄 Repetitive and manual data entry
But it’s not about using just any software. You need a solution built for your craft — reliable, simple to use, and centralized.
🚀 Syncae: a solid, ready-to-use foundation
Syncae offers a fully managed hosting solution, designed for small business professionals. No installation, no server setup required. Right after subscribing, you get secure access to two powerful tools:
- ✅ Dolibarr: a full-featured ERP for managing quotes, invoices, clients, products, and services
- 📁 Nextcloud: a private cloud to store, share, and sync all your files
Unlike typical tools that lock you into proprietary ecosystems, Syncae focuses on data ownership: your data is hosted in France, accessible at all times, with automated daily backups.
⏳ Saving 5 hours a week: a real-world example
Here’s how a self-employed craftsman can realistically save over 5 hours each week with Dolibarr and Nextcloud:
| Task | Without tools | With Syncae | Time saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creating quotes/invoices | Manual input in Word/Excel | Templates, auto numbering, real-time calculations | 1h/week |
| Document searches | Multiple folders, manual sync | Centralized storage with quick search | 1h/week |
| Client follow-up | Paper notes or mobile app | Complete client profiles, centralized history | 30 min/week |
| Payment tracking & reminders | Unclear tracking, often forgotten | Automated alerts, clear payment status | 30 min/week |
| Preparing accounting | Manual collection of receipts | One-click export of invoices and reports | 2h/week |
Total estimated savings: 5 to 6 hours per week. That’s more time for your projects, clients — or simply a break.
🔐 Security, simplicity, and peace of mind
Crafters and independents can’t afford data loss or downtime. With Syncae, the entire tech stack is fully managed:
- 🔐 SSL certificates, reinforced security, modern authentication
- 📦 Daily encrypted off-site backups
- 📊 Scalable infrastructure hosted in France
- 🛠 Human support when needed
No technical knowledge is required. Just log into your dashboard and start working.
📱 Access anytime, anywhere
On-site? On the go? From your smartphone or tablet, you can:
- 📝 Create a quote and send it to your client
- 📂 View a plan or order form instantly
- 💬 Log a client note or set a reminder
- 📈 Track payments and view outstanding invoices
Everything stays synced and accessible without any manual updates.
🎯 A tool that adapts to your craft
Whether you’re a plumber, carpenter, landscaper, or electrician, you can tailor your setup:
- ✅ Add custom fields specific to your trade
- 📆 Track appointments and manage your schedule
- 📦 Manage inventory and billable services
- 🔄 Set up simple automations to avoid repetitive tasks
And since everything is hosted and secured by Syncae, you can focus on your work without tech distractions.
Conclusion: less stress, more efficiency
You don’t need yet another app. You need a tool that brings real value to your workday. With Dolibarr and Nextcloud, managed by Syncae, you gain time, visibility, and peace of mind. It’s a smart way to get back control of your business — and your schedule.