Configuration guide for a new deployment

💬 General Discussion
1

Hi All,

I’ve just deployed a Selfhost Suite CRM 8.7.1 using docker and portainer stacks (hosted in a Proxmox LXC (Ubuntu 24.04)).
While I have Suite CRM running and can log-in; I’m not sure on the next steps, to configure the deployment.

I’m looking for a guide that will provide an overview of configuration steps and best order needed to complete the set-up.

I’ve searched the forum, YouTube and google for various first run guides, I’ve found a lot on installing, but nothing on a first time configuration outside of a user wizard.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Greg H

2

Hello Greg,

what exactly are you looking for?
When you can login, you basically, can start with your system.
What exactly you need depends often on your requirements.

Common things that are “adminy” are:

  • Setup of emails / outgoing / incoming / bounce
  • Setup of roles, users - maybe security groups
  • Configuration of permissions / visibility on modules & navigation
  • And very important: architecture of modules and fields

More tech things to consider are:

  • API setup
  • Any integration required?
  • Backups / test system / deployment

Most important next are usually the business processes:

  • Lead / marketing / sales processes
  • Customer service
  • Which other processes do you need to setup in your CRM?
    Afterwards you can look into workflows and reporting.
3

Hi Bastian,
Thanks for the tips, In answer to “what exactly are you looking for?” I’m looking for a set-up process for a newly deployed environment.

I’ve previously worked on IT systems where configuration needs to be completed in a particular order to minimise re-work e.g. set a default a currency before creating a customer.

I’ve work through your suggestions.

Thanks again.
Greg H

4

In this case, another idea:

You could create SQL statements inside a file that would be loaded on installation with the most common things like:

  • Dashboards / Reports
  • Config options from admin areas etc.
    and execute this after container deployment.

But usually CRM systems are more customized - so it would only be interesting if you have to deploy a fresh Suite very often and have “standard” config tasks already preconfigured.

Once users logged in, data has been created and work has begun it might not work anymore (or you’d need to be very careful on what you change directly in the DB).

5

Thanks Bastian,

Nice idea, I’ll look into that a bit further once I’m comfortable with Suite CRM.

Greg H