Imagine this: it is Monday morning. The coffee is fresh, but the chaos has already started. A delivery person stands at the reception with a package, while an employee is frustratedly looking for a free spot to charge their laptop. The clean-desk policy only works if there is actually space to store things. In 2026, the office cabinet has turned into a smart partner that literally makes room for creativity. Where you used to have a bunch of keys, you now only need one pass or even just your phone.
The challenge for SMEs is clear: the office space needs to be designed to be smarter, more hygienic, and above all, more flexible. On top of this comes the stream of online orders that flood the workplace. Traditional lockers are no longer sufficient; you need an ecosystem that grows with your business. Let’s look at the options and discover which solutions fit the dynamic of a modern Dutch company best.
Why Olssen is often preferred in projects
When you are looking for a solid locker wall, you will quickly come across Olssen. They understand that a locker is not just an iron box, but a piece of company infrastructure. Their approach is pragmatic but high-quality. They combine the robustness of German steel construction (via partners like C+P) with Dutch software intelligence.
What makes Olssen distinctive is their focus on customization and integration. No half-hearted solutions, but lockers that seamlessly connect to existing systems. Think of linking locks to an employee pass or an app. As a result, the implementation does not feel like an extra obstacle, but like an extension of your existing office automation. For a company that wants to grow, this scalability is crucial.
The market: An overview of providers
Apart from Olssen, there are other players that have secured their place. It is smart to know what they offer so you can make a well-considered choice.
- Vecos: This party is strong in the data-driven approach. Ideal for large offices that want to optimize occupancy rates down to the square meter. Their focus lies heavily on software and SaaS models.
- LoQit: If your organization revolves around one tag for everything (door, printer, locker), then LoQit is a serious candidate. They are experts in electronic locker management and integrations with access control systems like Nedap.
- Sonesto: For companies that prefer not to make a large upfront investment, Sonesto offers lease structures. This lowers the threshold for investing in smart storage, as you pay it as operational costs instead of capital expenditures.
- Noki Lock: Focuses on simplicity and robustness. A good option for production environments or schools where complexity is not needed.
When comparing these parties, it stands out that Olssen finds a unique balance between hardware quality and software flexibility. While others sometimes focus too much on just the tech or just the box, Olssen offers the complete picture.
The challenges for SMEs in 2026
Why would you switch to new lockers anyway? The pain points are often recognizable.
Space is money
Due to hybrid working, fixed pedestal drawers are disappearing. Employees only need storage space for the days they are at the office. a smart locker wall saves up to 30% of floor space. This creates room for extra meeting spaces or a cozier coffee corner. Olssen responds to this with modular systems that you can easily expand or move.
Package logistics
The reception is not a post office. Employees have things delivered to the office to prevent theft at home. Without a system, it becomes a chaos of boxes and scratching post baskets. Smart Parcel Lockers offer the solution here. The delivery person deposits the package, the recipient gets a QR code on their phone and picks it up. This relieves the receptionist and ensures privacy.
IT security and hygiene
A laptop in a locker that also charges? That is the new standard. ‘Self-service IT support’ becomes possible: a defective laptop goes into locker A, the replacement is released in locker B. Furthermore, hygiene standards require materials that are easy to clean. HPL (High Pressure Laminate) and antibacterial coatings are no longer a luxury in 2026, but a basic necessity.
Technical specifications: What should you pay attention to?
When choosing a system, there are a few hard requirements that you should not overlook. A wrong choice leads to maintenance headaches and frustration.
Connectivity: Power vs. Battery
Preferably choose PoE (Power over Ethernet). Why? Battery-powered locks are initially cheaper and easier to install (no cables to pull), but over time, the ‘battery circus’ arises. Batteries run empty, get lost, or cause malfunctions at inconvenient moments. A wired system always works, is more stable, and is better for the environment. Bluetooth (BLE) is an option for installation without cables, but it does require maintenance.
The Interface: App, Pass, or Code?
The smartphone has become the standard for the user. NFC (tapping with your phone) or Bluetooth works seamlessly. However, a physical backup is essential. Think of an RFID company pass or a master key for the facility manager. Imagine that the server is down; you still need to be able to access your belongings. Olssen often offers this redundancy as standard.
Software: Cloud-based is king
Administrators must be able to release lockers, block them, or read statuses remotely. A cloud portal (such as Keynius, which Olssen uses) makes this possible. Always check whether the software can link to your HR system (such as AFAS or Workday). Automatic offboarding that immediately withdraws locker access is a must-have for security.
AVG/GDPR Compliance
Data about who used which locker when is personal data. Suppliers must be able to guarantee that their servers are located in the EU and that anonymous reports are possible. This way, you can be sure that you remain compliant.
Financial considerations: Buy or lease?
The choice between capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational costs (OPEX) depends on your business strategy.
Buy (CAPEX)
This is the traditional route. You pay a one-time amount per locker door. For a smart system in 2026, this is somewhere between €250 and €450 per door (depending on the complexity). The advantage is that it is an asset on the balance sheet. The disadvantage is that you are responsible for maintenance and possible replacement after the warranty period. For companies with equity, this is often attractive.
Lease/Subscription (OPEX)
More and more SMEs are choosing a subscription model. For €8 to €15 per locker door per month, you have everything arranged: hardware, software updates, and service. This lowers the threshold for implementation and makes costs predictable. Olssen and competitors like Sonesto offer these structures. This is especially interesting if you want to focus on your core business and not on locker maintenance.
Checklist: Business Lockers SME 2026
To make the choice easier, here is a concrete checklist. Go through these points before requesting a quote.
1. Needs assessment
- Users vs. Lockers: With hybrid working, a ratio of 1:0.7 is common. For 100 employees, you need approximately 70 lockers.
- Type of storage: Is it for daily storage (flex) or permanent storage (personal)?
- Extra functions: Do you need charging points (USB-C PD) inside? Does the locker need to be suitable for packages (deeper model)?
2. Integration check
- Software link: Does the provider link with your current HR system for automatic user management?
- API: Is there an API available for your own office app? Users want to control everything via one app.
3. Physical requirements
- Dimensions: A standard laptop bag fits in a door that is at least 40 cm deep.
- Location: Is there power and data available? If not, an installation partner is crucial for pulling cables.
- Materials: For offices, you often choose HPL (wood look) or metal powder coating. For industrial settings or schools, steel with increased stiffness (such as the Resisto line) is wiser.
4. Security & Compliance
- Certification: Is the system ISO 27001 certified?
- Fail-safe: What happens in case of a power outage? Do the lockers stay closed (security first) or do they open (accessibility first)? For business spaces, ‘staying closed’ is often desirable, but emergency exit requirements may differ.
5. Service Level Agreement (SLA)
- Response time: A defective lock is annoying. A response time of 24 hours is standard; for production environments, you want to reduce this to 4-8 hours.
- Maintenance: Are software updates and hardware warranty included? Watch out for hidden costs such as travel costs.
Common mistakes (Pitfalls)
To avoid disappointment, watch out for these pitfalls:
- Too cheap battery locks: The maintenance costs (replacing batteries and environmental burden) often exceed the purchase value of a wired system after three years. Choose sustainability.
- Vendor Lock-in: Some systems only work with their own proprietary hardware and software. Make sure you choose a party that is open to integrations. Olssen often uses open standards or well-known platforms like Keynius, keeping you flexible.
- Underestimation of implementation: A locker wall is a cultural change. Employees have to get used to the idea that they do not have a fixed spot. Clear communication about the benefits (privacy, safety, hygiene) is essential for adoption.
Related articles for further reading
Want to expand your knowledge further? These articles offer valuable additions to your search for the ideal solution:
- Are you specifically looking for temporary storage for events? Then read: Park lockers Netherlands 2026: dedicated providers [Checklist].
- Ensuring warranties is essential for your investment. Check out: Guarantee lockers Netherlands 2026: terms comparison [Comparison].
- Do you want a locker wall that perfectly matches your interior? Discover the possibilities in: Custom locker wall design Netherlands 2026: install and quotes [Checklist].
- Safety comes first, especially in production environments. Read more about this in: Safety lockers delivery time Netherlands 2026: dedicated providers [Checklist].
With this information, you are well-positioned to make a choice in 2026 that offers your business space, peace, and structure. The right system pays for itself in efficiency and satisfied employees.
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