Perfex CRM is an open-source, self-hosted customer relationship management software that helps businesses manage leads, projects, invoices, and automation.

How do I install Perfex CRM?

Upload the installation files to your server, create a MySQL database, and run the installation wizard via your browser.

What are the server requirements for Perfex CRM in 2026?

PHP 8.1+, MySQL 5.7+, Apache/Nginx, required PHP extensions, and at least 256 MB memory.

How do I set up email for Perfex CRM?

Use SMTP configuration in Setup → Settings → Email → SMTP, entering host, port, encryption, username, and password.

What is a Cron Job and why is it important?

Cron jobs automate recurring tasks such as invoices, reminders, and ticket updates. Setup via cPanel or server cron commands.

Can I customize Perfex CRM modules?

Yes, modules can be enabled, disabled, and configured for your business workflows. DevDiligent provides professional customization services.

How do I automate workflows in Perfex CRM?

Enable automation for leads, invoices, tickets, and projects, or use add-ons and external platforms like Make or Zapier.

Does Perfex CRM support API integrations?

Yes, REST API enables integration with mobile apps, portals, payment gateways, and external software.

Can I host Perfex CRM in the cloud?

Yes, it can be hosted on VPS, dedicated servers, or containerized environments (Docker/Kubernetes).

How do I secure my Perfex CRM system?

Use HTTPS, strong passwords, role-based access, 2FA, DevSecOps practices, and regular updates.

Which payment gateways can I integrate?

Perfex supports PayPal, Stripe, Razorpay, Paystack, Mollie, 2Checkout, and more.

Is Perfex CRM suitable for small businesses?

Yes, it is highly scalable, customizable, and cost-effective for SMEs, agencies, freelancers, and service companies.

Can I create custom fields in Perfex CRM?

Yes, you can add custom fields for leads, invoices, projects, and clients to match your business needs.

How do I troubleshoot installation errors?

Common fixes include checking file permissions, PHP extensions, cron URLs, SMTP credentials, and enabling error logs.

How can DevDiligent help with Perfex CRM?

DevDiligent provides installation, module customization, API integration, workflow automation, security, cloud deployment, and ongoing support.

Perfex CRM has become one of the most popular open-source CRM solutions for small and medium businesses in 2026. Its flexibility, modular design, and affordability make it an excellent choice for teams that want to centralize sales, customer communication, project management, invoices, and automation in one place.

However—many new users and developers struggle with the initial setup.

This step-by-step Perfex CRM setup guide walks you through everything:

– Installation (shared hosting, VPS, cPanel)
– Database configuration
– Cron Jobs setup
– Email (SMTP) configuration
– Modules activation
– Automation setup
– API keys
– Customization options
– Security best practices
– Developer setup (modules + API)

Let’s get started.

1. Perfex CRM System Requirements (2026 Updated)

Before installing Perfex CRM, ensure your server meets modern PHP compatibility.

Recommended Server Requirements (2026):

Requirement	Recommended Version
PHP	8.1 – 8.2
MySQL	5.7+ or MariaDB 10+
Apache or Nginx	Supported
PHP Extensions	OpenSSL, PDO, Mbstring, CURL, ZipArchive, GD
Memory Limit	256 MB+
Hosting	cPanel, Plesk, VPS, Cloud

2. Installing Perfex CRM (Step-by-Step)

A. Upload Files to Your Server

Download Perfex CRM from your account.
Unzip it locally.
Upload the contents to your public_html or CRM folder via:
- – cPanel File Manager
- – FTP (FileZilla)

B. Create a MySQL Database

Inside cPanel:

– Go to MySQL Databases
– Create new DB
– Create user
– Assign user → ALL PRIVILEGES

Keep credentials ready.

C. Start Installation Wizard

Visit your website:

yourdomain.com/install

Follow steps:

– Add database name
– Database user
– Database password
– Host: localhost
– Finish installation

Full steps: https://help.perfexcrm.com/quick-installation-getting-started-tutorial/

3. Configure the Basic System Settings

After logging into the admin dashboard:

– General Settings

Navigate to:
Setup → Settings → General

Update:

– Company name
– Address
– Currency
– Timezone
– Default language

– Branding

Upload:

– Logo
– Invoice logo
– Favicon

4. Configure Email (SMTP Setup)

To send invoices, tickets, notifications, and automation—SMTP is required.

Go to:
Setup → Settings → Email → SMTP

Add:

– Host: smtp.yourprovider.com
– Port: 587 / 465
– Encryption: TLS/SSL
– Username: email
– Password: email password

Click Test.

Full SMTP guide: https://help.perfexcrm.com/category/setup-and-configuration/

5. Setup Cron Jobs (VERY IMPORTANT for Automation)

Cron jobs are required for:

– Recurring invoices
– Reminders
– Scheduled tasks
– Email automation
– Ticket auto-close

Recommended cron job (cPanel):

*/5 * * * * wget -q -O- https://yourdomain.com/cron/index

Official Cron Job Docs:
https://help.perfexcrm.com/#:~:text=Setup%20cPanel%20Cron%20Job

6. Enable & Configure Core Modules

Perfex CRM includes powerful built-in modules:

Most Important Modules for Businesses:

– Leads
– Projects
– Invoices
– Estimates
– Proposals
– Tickets
– Tasks
– Expenses
– Staff
– Contracts
– Goals
– Surveys

Enable modules from:

Setup → Settings → Modules

Tip: Enable only what you use → Boosts performance.

7. Automation Setup (2026 Guide)

Automation is one of Perfex CRM’s strongest features.

– Lead Automation

Auto-assign leads
Lead scoring
Automatic email responses

– Invoice Automation

Recurring invoices
Auto reminders
Late payment notifications

– Ticket Automation

Auto assignment
Auto reply
Auto closing

– Workflow Automation Using Add-ons

Popular automation add-ons (2026):

WhatsApp module
Twilio SMS
Workflow automator
Project timer automation

8. Payment Gateway Setup

Go to:
Setup → Settings → Payment Gateways

Popular supported gateways:

PayPal
Stripe
Razorpay
Paystack
Mollie
2Checkout

9. Customize Your Perfex CRM

– Themes & UI Customization

Most users customize:

Dashboard layout
Sidebar
Admin theme
Client portal theme

– Custom Fields

Add custom fields for:

Leads
Invoices
Projects
Clients

– Email Templates

From Setup → Email Templates

Customize:

Invoice emails
Proposal emails
Ticket notifications
Welcome messages

10. API Integration for Developers (2026)

Perfex CRM has a powerful REST API.

Enable API:
Setup → Settings → API

You can connect:

Mobile apps
Custom portals
External websites
ERP systems
Marketing tools

Official API Docs: https://help.perfexcrm.com/api-introduction/

11. Custom Module Development (For Developers)

Perfex CRM supports custom modules.

Use this resource:
https://help.perfexcrm.com/module-developer-docs/

Developers can build:

Payment modules
HR modules
Inventory modules
Integrations
Reporting dashboards

12. Security Best Practices (2026)

– Enable 2FA
-Use HTTPS
– Limit admin users
– Use secure SMTP
– Enable database backups
– Harden server (fail2ban, firewalls)

13. Perfex CRM Troubleshooting (Common Issues)

Issue	Fix
White screen	Enable PHP error logs
Cron not running	Wrong cron URL
SMTP not working	Wrong port or security type
File upload error	Folder permission 755/775
API error	Incorrect authentication

14. When to Choose Perfex CRM in 2026?

Perfex CRM is perfect for:

– Agencies
– Construction companies
– IT companies
– Service businesses
– Consultants
– Freelancers
– Sales teams

Because it is customizable, self-hosted, and reliable.

15. How DevDiligent Helps With Perfex CRM Setup

DevDiligent provides full Perfex CRM services:

– Perfex CRM Installation & Setup

Server setup
cPanel or VPS installation
Database optimization

– Module Customization

New modules
UI enhancements
Custom workflows

– API Integrations

WhatsApp, SMS, Email
Payment gateways
ERP systems

– Security Setup

DevSecOps integration
SBOM
Regular patching

– Cloud Hosting & Automation

Docker
Kubernetes
CI/CD automation

Conclusion:

Installing and configuring Perfex CRM is just the start. The real power comes when you customise workflows, automate key business processes, integrate with your website and other tools, and maintain security and performance.
By following this 2026-ready guide, you’ll have a CRM system that’s not just operational, but optimized for growth and efficiency.

FAQ Section (Questions for Users & Developers)

Q1: What is a custom module and why might I need to develop one?

A custom module is code that extends app functionality, letting you add unique features tailored to specific business requirements.

Q2: Which platforms or frameworks support custom module development?

Popular ones include SuiteCRM, Odoo, Drupal, WordPress, Magento, Node.js, and Django.

Q3: What are the main steps for building a custom module from scratch?

Define requirements, set up structure, write code, test, and deploy.

Q4: How do I structure files and folders for a new custom module?

Follow platform-specific conventions—usually including separate folders for config, controllers, models, templates, and assets.

Q5: What coding standards should I follow when writing module code?

Use platform documentation and established best practices for security, readability, and maintainability.

Q6: How do I ensure security and data protection in custom modules?

Validate inputs, sanitize data, implement authentication checks, and keep dependencies updated.

Q7: What are best practices for integrating third-party APIs or services with a module?

Use official SDKs, handle errors gracefully, secure API keys, and maintain proper versioning.

Q8: How can I test and debug a custom module efficiently?

Write unit and integration tests, enable debug logs, and use platform debugging tools.

Q9: What is the process for deploying and releasing a custom module to production?

Test thoroughly in staging, document installation steps, back up data, and deploy with a version control system.

Q10: How do I update or maintain a custom module after initial deployment?

Apply patches for bugs and security, test updates, and keep documentation current.

Q11: Can custom modules be shared or reused across multiple projects?

Yes—if architected as plug-ins or packages, modules can be reused and published to repositories.

Q12: How do I handle module dependencies and compatibility with core software updates?

Track dependencies, monitor release notes, and test modules with new platform releases.

Q13: What tools or IDEs are recommended for rapid module development?

VS Code, PhpStorm, PyCharm, and platform-specific IDEs; use version control like Git.

Q14: How do I optimize custom modules for performance and scalability?

Write efficient code, minimize database queries, cache frequently used data, and follow platform scaling guides.

Q15: What are common mistakes or pitfalls to avoid when developing custom modules?

Ignoring security, poor documentation, hardcoding values, and not testing for compatibility with future updates.

Tags - CRM for Small Businesses. Perfex CRM Developer Guide. Perfex CRM Installation Guide. Perfex CRM automation. Perfex CRM setup

Complete Perfex CRM Setup Guide (2026) — From Installation to Automation