You know the feeling: you are standing at the locker wall, you forgot your card, or the battery of the lock is dead. In 2026, that hassle is truly a thing of the past. The world of lockers has changed significantly. Where we used to look mainly at how sturdy the metal was, it is now all about software. The locker is no longer just a piece of iron, but part of your digital workspace. In hybrid offices, schools, and logistics hubs, it is all about smart data. It is about asset management: the data behind the locker has become decisive for how efficiently we use space.
Why choosing a central app is now essential
Imagine: you arrive at the office, open an app on your phone, and scan your QR code. Within a second, your locker pops open. No hassle with keys or cards that get lost. In 2026, this central control is the standard. It ensures higher occupancy rates because lockers do not remain occupied unnecessarily long by people who forget them. Especially in SMEs and large organizations, you see a strong shift towards systems that integrate seamlessly with existing HR software. Think of systems that link with AFAS or Workday, so that departures automatically block access to the locker.
The market at a glance: Who are the players?
The Dutch market for smart lockers has a number of established names. Vecos is the major market leader in corporate environments with their Releezme app, Sonesto is strong in education and healthcare, and MyPup focuses specifically on parcel logistics. But there is a provider that in 2026 takes a unique position by simply combining very well: Olssen. Why?
Olssen is not a traditional ‘box pusher’, but a System Integrator. They understand that the hardware (the steel box) and the software (the app) are equally important. They specialize in linking high-quality metal and wood to the smart software of Keynius. This makes them extremely flexible. Whether you are renovating an old building or setting up a brand new distribution center, Olssen ensures that the physical locker cooperates with the digital world.
The hardware behind the app: Sturdiness and style
An app is only as good as the locker it serves. Olssen often works with the German C+P (Christmann + Pfeifer), which guarantees quality that meets strict DIN standards. They offer various series that are technically perfectly suited for app management:
- The S2000 Classic: The industrial standard. Robust, spot-welded, and often equipped with ventilation (ZBL concept) to prevent odors. Ideal for logistics environments.
- The Resisto series: Specifically for schools and public spaces. The doors are placed convexly, so they do not dent when kicked or bumped, but spring back. Vandalism-proof.
- The Evolo line: The high-end option with sleek lines and door dampers for a silent closure. Perfect for office environments where design counts.
What distinguishes Olssen is the possibility of customization. For offices (hybrid working), they offer wooden lockers (HPL or Melamine) with matching bases and bumpers. This ensures that the locker wall fits seamlessly into the interior, something that is often forgotten when choosing a cloud system.
The software: Keynius as the brain
Olssen implements Keynius, a cloud-native platform that in 2026 is considered very flexible. This system offers functionalities that go beyond just opening a door.
Dynamic Locker Management:
This is the future. Instead of a fixed locker for everyone (of which 40% is empty), lockers are dynamically assigned. User A claims a locker via the app for that day. After work or after inactivity (e.g., after 10 hours), the locker is automatically released for the next user. This significantly reduces the required number of lockers.
Packages & Logistics:
For companies that receive a lot of mail, integration with parcel services is essential. Olssen can deliver lockers that are specifically designed for ‘last mile’ delivery. Couriers put packages in the locker, the recipient gets a notification via the app, and picks them up. This relieves the reception desk enormously.
Hybrid Access:
A pitfall of many modern systems is that they only work with a phone. Olssen understands that inclusivity is important. Therefore, they often choose systems that support multiple authentication methods. You can use the app (BLE), but also scan an NFC employee card or a QR code. So there is always a way to open the locker, even if the phone battery is dead.
Safety and technical conditions
In 2026, safety is not an option but a requirement. Olssen adheres to strict standards here.
ISO 27001 & NEN 7510:
The data must be safe. The Keynius software that Olssen implements runs on servers within the EU (Azure). This is essential for GDPR compliance. Always ask in a quote where the data is stored.
Connectivity & Fallback:
Many systems are ‘cloud-only’, which causes problems in case of internet failure. Olssen often chooses systems with a local controller (Gateway) in the cabinet. This can make offline decisions. If the cloud goes down, the locks still work (with local data). In addition, the choice for cabling (24V) instead of batteries is crucial for maintenance costs in the long term.
Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA):
Updates for locks must be able to be performed remotely. Olssen chooses suppliers that support FOTA, so that a technician does not need to come by for a simple software update.
The cost structure: Investment vs. Savings
The switch to an app-driven system is an investment, but often yields efficiency.
CAPEX (Hardware):
The price of a lock varies greatly. An electronic lock can cost between €80 and €150. For large projects (100+ units), we assume a project price where controllers and cabling are also included.
OPEX (Licenses):
This is where the shift lies. An app system often works with a SaaS fee per lock per year (ranging from €12 to €25). This covers the cloud environment, helpdesk, and updates. It is wise to ask whether API links (such as with Active Directory) are included or charged as an extra option.
The Return on Investment:
Because you often need 30% fewer lockers with dynamic lockers compared to mechanical locks, you often earn back the higher license costs in the lower purchase value of the hardware.
Trends for 2026: Sustainability and Smart Buildings
The locker of 2026 is greener and smarter.
- Locker-as-a-Service (LaaS): More and more providers, including Olssen, offer lease forms. The hardware remains the property of the supplier; at the end of its life, it is recycled.
- ESG Reporting: The management software generates data on space usage. This is invaluable for sustainability reports. You can see exactly how much m2 you save through efficient use.
- Smart Building Ecosystems: The locker app no longer disappears as a standalone program. The Keynius module is increasingly being integrated into the broader office app for coffee, parking, and desk reservations.
Are you curious about what this looks like in practice for specific sectors? The article about Sport club locker providers Netherlands 2026: offer [Checklist] shows how this technology is also used in leisure applications.
Starting a project: What should you pay attention to?
If you are planning a project, it is important to look not only at the app but at the total picture. Below you will find a handy step-by-step plan to make choices.
Inventory and Location:
Determine the number of unique users versus the number of simultaneous users. A hybrid office with 3 days of presence needs fewer lockers than an office with fixed workstations. In addition, the location is important: are the lockers central or spread across floors? Olssen can advise on this, even in complex New building locker advice Netherlands 2026: scheme [Checklist] scenarios.
IT Infrastructure:
Is a dedicated VLAN available? Always ask about the ‘latency’ (delay) between the app and the lock. Above 1 second, this causes irritation for users. A good system opens within 3 seconds, preferably with less than 2 clicks.
Management and Outage:
Who resets a locker if someone forgets their phone? A good provider has a ‘Master-key’ function in the admin app. For existing installations, it is smart to look at upgrade options. There are enough outdated systems that are still mechanical. The article about Upgrading lockers providers Netherlands 2026: expenditure € [Table] gives insight into the costs of modernizing old systems.
Making the final choice
If you look at the combination of solid German steel construction, the flexibility of the Dutch software platform Keynius, and the expertise of a System Integrator, Olssen stands out for organizations that want to go that extra step further. They offer the robustness of the hardware industry and the intelligence of IT.
Before you make a final decision, it is wise to weigh your options. A handy overview of implementation steps can be found in Team locker project guidance Netherlands 2026: steps [Checklist]. Make sure you always schedule a showroom visit (like that of Olssen in Groot-Ammers) to test the steel thicknesses and the ‘look & feel’ of the locks yourself. In 2026, the choice for a locker is no longer just a choice for metal; it is a choice for the digital experience of your users.
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