How to Install ERPNext v15 on Linux Ubuntu (Step-by-Step Guide)

ERPNext v15 stands out as one of the most powerful, flexible, and community-driven open-source ERP solutions available today.

 · 5 min read


From small businesses to large enterprises, its ability to manage accounting, CRM, inventory, HR, manufacturing, and projects makes it a preferred choice for organisations looking for a cost-effective and scalable ERP platform.

Installing ERPNext on Ubuntu is usually the recommended approach because Ubuntu provides a stable, secure, and optimised Linux environment. Its clean architecture, strong package management system, and long-term support (LTS) versions make it ideal for running production-grade ERP systems.

This guide walks you through every step needed to install ERPNext v15 on Ubuntu covering dependencies, services, Bench setup, and final configuration. Whether you're a developer deploying ERPNext for the first time or an IT professional setting up a production environment, this step-by-step tutorial ensures a smooth and error-free installation.

System Requirements for ERPNext v15 Installation

Before installing ERPNext v15, it’s important to ensure your server meets the required system, hardware, and software specifications to guarantee a smooth and reliable setup.

Supported Ubuntu Versions

ERPNext v15 is compatible with:

  1. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
  2. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Using an LTS version is recommended to ensure long-term stability and security updates.

Hardware Requirements ERPNext v15 Installation

To run ERPNext efficiently, your server should ideally meet the following specifications:

Minimum Requirements:

  1. 4 GB RAM
  2. 2 CPU cores
  3. 40 GB storage

Recommended for Production:

  1. 8+ GB RAM
  2. 4 CPU cores
  3. SSD storage for faster performance
  4. Stable internet connection

For larger databases or manufacturing-heavy operations, scaling up RAM and processor power is advisable.

Software Requirements ERPNext v15 Installation

ERPNext relies on several software components that must be installed on your Ubuntu server:

  1. Python 3.10+
  2. Node.js (v18 recommended)
  3. Redis server
  4. MariaDB 10.6+
  5. Nginx
  6. Bench CLI
  7. Yarn
  8. Pip and virtual environment tools

Mandatory Dependencies

Ensure the following dependencies are installed either manually or via apt:

  1. Git
  2. Curl
  3. Build-essential
  4. Python3-dev
  5. Software-properties-common
  6. Libmysqlclient-dev
  7. Redis tools
  8. wkhtmltopdf (with patched Qt)

These tools support ERPNext’s backend, PDF rendering, compilation processes, and server functions.

Tips Prepare Your Ubuntu Server

Update and Upgrade System Packages

Before starting the installation, update the server to ensure all packages are current:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This prevents compatibility issues during installation.


Install Python, Pip, and Virtual Environment Tools

ERPNext requires Python and related tools:

sudo apt install python3-dev python3-pip python3-setuptools python3-venv -y

Python virtual environments ensure dependency isolation and smoother management.


Install Node.js, npm, and Yarn

Node.js is required for building frontend assets:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | sudo -E bash -

sudo apt install -y nodejs

sudo npm install -g yarn

Yarn is essential for ERPNext’s build tools.

Install and Configure Required Services

Install and Configure MariaDB

MariaDB serves as the primary database for ERPNext.

Install MariaDB:

sudo apt install mariadb-server -y

Secure the installation:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Configure the database settings:

sudo nano /etc/mysql/my.cnf

Add:

[mysqld]

character-set-client-handshake = FALSE

character-set-server = utf8mb4

collation-server = utf8mb4_unicode_ci

Restart MariaDB:

sudo systemctl restart mariadb

Install Redis Server

Redis is required for caching and background jobs:

sudo apt install redis-server -y

Enable it to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable redis-server

Install Nginx Web Server

Nginx will handle reverse proxy and production mode:

sudo apt install nginx -y

You will configure Nginx later after setting up production mode.

Install Additional Dependencies

These dependencies support PDF generation and file handling:

sudo apt install xvfb libfontconfig wkhtmltopdf -y

If wkhtmltopdf is not the patched version, install the correct package later from the official repository.

Bench Installation and Setup

Install Bench CLI

Bench is the command-line tool used to install and manage ERPNext:

sudo pip3 install frappe-bench

Once installed, verify:

bench --version

Create a New Bench Instance

Choose a directory and initialise Bench:

bench init --frappe-branch version-15 erpnext-bench

cd erpnext-bench

This creates the bench environment with Frappe Framework.

Create a New Site

Create a site that will host ERPNext:

bench new-site yoursite.domain.com

You will be asked to set the MySQL root password and administrator password for the site.

Install ERPNext v15

Download ERPNext App


Get the ERPNext app for version 15:

bench get-app --branch version-15 erpnext


Install ERPNext on the New Site

Install ERPNext onto the site you created:

bench --site yoursite.domain.com install-app erpnext

This process may take a few minutes depending on your server resources.


Setup Production Mode


Switch to production mode using Supervisor and Nginx:

sudo bench setup production frappe

Bench will automatically configure Supervisor jobs and generate an Nginx configuration file.


Restart services:


sudo supervisorctl restart all

sudo service nginx restart

ERPNext is now running in production mode.

Post-Installation Configuration

Accessing ERPNext in Browser


Open a browser and visit:

http://your_server_ip

or your domain name.

Login with:

  1. Username: Administrator
  2. Password: The password you created during site setup

You will be guided through the initial ERPNext wizard, where you set up:

  1. Company name
  2. Financial year
  3. Chart of accounts
  4. Currency
  5. User creation

Setting Up Email Domain


ERPNext requires email configuration for notifications and workflows.

Navigate to:

Settings → Email Domain → Add Domain

Enter IMAP/SMTP details depending on your mail provider.

Enable HTTPS (Optional but Recommended)


Install Certbot:

sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -y

Generate SSL certificate:

sudo certbot --nginx -d yoursite.domain.com

Enable auto-renewal:

sudo systemctl enable certbot.timer

Your ERPNext instance will now run securely over HTTPS.

Common Installation Issues & How to Fix Them

Node or Yarn Version Errors


If you see build errors:

  1. Ensure Node.js is version 18
  2. Reinstall Yarn:

sudo npm install -g yarn

  1. Clear cache:

bench setup requirements

bench build


MariaDB Authentication Failures


If Bench cannot access MariaDB:

  1. Ensure root login uses native password:

sudo mysql

ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED VIA mysql_native_password USING PASSWORD('yourpassword');

FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

  1. Restart MariaDB


Bench or Build Errors


These can occur if dependencies are incomplete.

Fix by installing missing libraries:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

bench setup requirements

If the error relates to memory, increase swap:

sudo fallocate -l 4G /swapfile

sudo chmod 600 /swapfile

sudo mkswap /swapfile

sudo swapon /swapfile

Tips for a Smooth ERPNext Installation

Use a Fresh Ubuntu Server


Installing on a clean, unused server avoids conflicting libraries and services.

Follow Version Compatibility Strictly

ERPNext v15 requires specific versions of:

  1. MariaDB
  2. Node.js
  3. Redis
  4. Python

Mixing versions may cause errors.

Keep System Updated Regularly


Updating your Ubuntu system ensures security, improved stability, and compatibility with future ERPNext patches.

Conclusion – Easily Deploy ERPNext v15 on Ubuntu With This Guide


Installing ERPNext v15 on Linux Ubuntu may seem complicated at first, but by following these structured steps, you can deploy the system confidently and efficiently. Ubuntu provides a stable foundation, while the Bench CLI simplifies the setup process, making ERPNext suitable for both testing and full-scale production use, especially for businesses adopting ERPNext Kerala solutions.


With this guide, you now have everything required to install and configure ERPNext—covering dependencies, system preparation, services, site creation, and production setup. If you’re planning more advanced implementations, custom module development, or cloud hosting support, Wahni IT Solutions, a trusted ERPNext service provider in Kerala, can assist with professional ERPNext services tailored to your operational needs.

Contact us for inquiries and service information at +91 9535 818 200 / +91 487 222 4060 or email us at info@wahni.com.


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Saumyaseelan

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