Implementing GLPI typically follows a structured, step-by-step approach that ensures the platform is tailored to an organization's IT needs. The process can vary depending on the size and complexity of the organization, but here’s a general outline:
Needs Assessment & Planning
This initial phase involves identifying the organization’s ITSM requirements, defining goals, and selecting the appropriate GLPI modules and plugins. Stakeholders determine whether to deploy GLPI on-premise or via the GLPI Network Cloud.
Installation & Configuration
GLPI is installed on the chosen infrastructure. This includes setting up the database, configuring user roles and permissions, and customizing the interface to match the organization’s branding and workflows.
Asset Import & Inventory Setup
IT assets are imported into GLPI either manually or via automated tools like FusionInventory or OCS Inventory. This step builds the foundation for asset tracking and CMDB relationships.
Helpdesk & Workflow Customization
The ticketing system is configured with categories, SLAs, escalation rules, and automated workflows. Organizations often use plugins like Formcreator to design custom request forms.
Training & Testing
IT staff and end-users are trained on how to use GLPI. A testing phase ensures that workflows, permissions, and integrations function correctly before going live.
Go-Live & Support
The system is launched for full use. Ongoing support is provided either internally or through GLPI Network partners. Regular updates and plugin enhancements are applied as needed.
Typical Timeline:
GLPI is highly customizable and can be tailored to meet specific business needs across various industries and organizational sizes. Here are several data points and capabilities that demonstrate its flexibility:
GLPI is built with a modular design, allowing organizations to enable or disable features based on their operational requirements. Modules like asset management, helpdesk, CMDB, financial tracking, and project management can be configured independently.
GLPI supports a wide range of plugins that extend its functionality. Examples include:
Organizations can also develop their own plugins to meet unique needs.
Administrators can add custom fields to tickets, assets, and forms, allowing GLPI to capture business-specific data. This is especially useful for industries with specialized equipment or service categories.
GLPI offers granular user permissions, enabling organizations to define roles and access levels for different teams, departments, or external users. This ensures that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized personnel.
GLPI allows for the automation of ticket routing, escalation, and notifications based on predefined rules. This can be customized to reflect internal processes, SLAs, and escalation paths.
GLPI includes a RESTful API that allows integration with other enterprise systems such as ERP, CRM, HR platforms, and monitoring tools. This makes it possible to embed GLPI into broader IT ecosystems.
The user interface can be customized with themes, logos, and layout adjustments to align with corporate branding. Language preferences and terminology can also be localized.
GLPI provides customizable dashboards and reporting tools. Users can create tailored reports based on KPIs, asset status, ticket resolution times, and more.
GLPI supports multi-entity configurations, allowing large organizations with multiple branches or departments to operate independently within a single GLPI instance while sharing infrastructure.
Organizations can choose between hosting GLPI on their own servers or using the GLPI Network Cloud, which includes managed services, backups, and exclusive plugins.
GLPI provides a rich ecosystem of training and support resources:
GLPI Help Center: A newly launched portal at help.glpi-project.org offers step-by-step tutorials, how-to videos, FAQs, and complete documentation to guide users through setup and usage.
YouTube Tutorials: Teclib’ maintains a YouTube channel with video guides covering everything from ticket management to plugin configuration
GLPI and its managing company, Teclib’, implement several security protocols to protect user data:
Data Encryption: Communications between GLPI agents and servers are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access
Firewall & Network Security: GLPI servers are protected by industry-standard firewalls and network security protocols
Privacy Compliance: GLPI adheres to GDPR and other privacy regulations, with clear policies on data collection, storage, and user rights
GLPI releases updates regularly, typically every few months, to introduce new features, improve performance, and address security vulnerabilities. Updates include both core software enhancements and plugin improvements. Users can check the changelog and download the latest version from the GLPI Resources page.
GLPI adheres to strict data privacy and ownership policies, especially in compliance with GDPR:
GLPI is designed to scale flexibly with organizational needs:
You can add or remove agents, adjust storage, and access more plugins as your needs evolve
GLPI offers flexible subscription models through its GLPI Network and GLPI Network Cloud services. Here are the key terms:
Cancellation: Users can cancel their subscription at any time. For cloud users, cancellation stops future billing, but access to the cloud instance may be revoked at the end of the billing cycle.
Trial Period: GLPI Network Cloud offers a 45-day free trial with no obligation to buy, allowing users to test the platform before committing
GLPI adheres to several key compliance and best practice standards to ensure data protection and operational integrity:
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): GLPI complies with GDPR, ensuring user data privacy, consent management, and rights to access, correct, or delete personal data
ITIL Alignment: GLPI’s ITSM features are aligned with ITIL best practices, supporting structured service delivery and incident management
Secure Hosting: For cloud users, GLPI Network Cloud is hosted in secure environments with firewalls, encrypted communications, and regular backups
These compliance measures make GLPI a reliable choice for organizations with strict regulatory and operational requirements.
