Imagine this: you walk into the office, want to put your sports bag away and charge your laptop, but you have lost your key. Or worse, you waste ten minutes looking for a free locker. In 2026, this frustration is a thing of the past for smart organizations. The era of metal cabinets with a standard cylinder that you had to drag to the key rack is over. We are moving towards ‘Smart Access’. This means your locker is no longer just a safe, but a flexible workplace that you activate with your pass or phone.
Why is this essential now? Because the world runs on hybrid work. We work from home more often, and when we are in the office, we do not want a fixed desk. We want a locker that we can claim via an app, that charges our laptop, and that automatically becomes free for a colleague after use. This saves space—sometimes up to 40% fewer lockers are needed—and prevents employees’ expensive belongings from being locked up in an empty office for long periods.
The market leaders and their smart approach
When we look at the top of the Dutch market, several parties stand out. There are software-driven companies and companies that deliver the total package, from screw to server.
A party often mentioned first is Olssen. They position themselves not just as a supplier, but as a system integrator. That is a fancy word for: they handle everything. They deliver very robust lockers (often of German make, such as the brand C+P) and link them to the best software on the market. They are specialists in custom work and design, whether you want wooden design cabinets for a lobby or heavy industrial cabinets for a warehouse. Because they control both the hardware (the cabinet) and the software (Keynius), their solution is often seamless. They deliver the total package: cabinet + electronics + installation.
Then there is Vecos, a global player from Eindhoven. They are known for their ‘Releasable’ technology. This is ideal for large corporate environments. The lockers are flexible; after your shift, the locker becomes free for someone else. They integrate seamlessly with major workplace apps like Mapiq.
LoQit from Schagen is especially strong in software. Their hardware is often brand-independent, which is useful if you want to upgrade existing cabinets. They are dominant in healthcare and education. Think of connections with student tracking systems or HR packages like AFAS.
Keynius (which often collaborates with or is part of Olssen) is a cloud-native platform. It works on a subscription basis (SaaS) and is perfect for ‘Bring Your Own Device’ scenarios. You can operate your locker from your own phone.
Sonesto from Vianen often focuses on the logistics sector. Think of package lockers for click-and-collect or total projects where they furnish the entire space.
Finally, De Raat, the authority for high security. They provide lockers that are truly fire-resistant and burglary-resistant, certified according to the strictest standards.
The technical setup: from power to software
The way lockers are controlled has changed significantly by 2026. The standard is now PoE (Power over Ethernet). This means one cable goes to the locker that provides both power and data. This saves enormously on installation costs and hassle with power outlets.
Then there is the question: how do you activate the door?
* RFID/NFC: Your employee pass or smartphone. This is the norm.
* QR codes: Ideal for visitors or parcel services. They receive a code by mail, scan it, and they are done.
* Biometrics: For the highest level of security, such as in data centers.
Software integration is important. The locker must communicate with the facility system (such as Planon or Facilitor). Why? To know which lockers have been occupied for a long time (perhaps by someone who has left), or to show cleaners in real time which lockers need to be emptied.
How much does a smart locker actually cost?
The price structure depends on three things: the cabinet, the lock, and the software. When you request a quote, make sure these things are split up.
- The cabinet (Hardware): This ranges from €120 to €280 per door. Wood and design are more expensive, plain steel is cheaper.
- The electronic lock: Often costs between €80 and €160 per piece.
- Software (SaaS): You pay for this monthly, often between €1.50 and €3.50 per locker.
- Installation: Calculate approximately 10-15% of the hardware costs.
For a project of 100 smart lockers, you are quickly looking at investment costs (CapEx) between €25,000 and €45,000, excluding monthly licenses. A significant investment, but if you consider that you need fewer lockers due to flexible use, you often earn this back.
Trends: Locker-as-a-Service and sustainability
A hot topic in 2026 is ‘Locker-as-a-Service’ (LaaS). This is a rental model. You buy nothing, but rent the lockers including service and software for a fixed amount per month (OpEx). Ideal for projects of a year or for companies that want to preserve their capital. Circularity is also extremely important. Ask for refurbished lockers or lockers made from circular materials.
Another cool trend is sensing. Locks with infrared sensors feel whether there is actually something in the locker. This prevents someone from holding a locker all day while it is empty. In addition, we see a lot of integration of USB-C PD charging points directly in the locker. Handy for your laptop or e-bike battery.
Checklist: what should you look out for before buying?
Whether you go to a specialist like Olssen or another party, this checklist will help you be well prepared.
- User profile: Do you go for fixed lockers (one locker per person) or dynamic? With dynamic use (everyone takes a random free locker), you sometimes need up to 40% fewer lockers. This saves space and money.
- Location: Is the floor level? Is there a network connection (RJ45) nearby? If you work with PoE, that cable is crucial.
- Identification: Which passes do you already use? Ask for the chip specification. Is it Mifare Classic (older) or DESFire (safer)? Most modern systems require the latter.
- Emergency power: What happens if the power goes out? Is there a physical emergency key or a UPS that keeps things running? You do not want employees unable to get their things during a power outage.
- Privacy (GDPR): Where is the data stored? In the EU? And are data from employees who leave immediately erased?
- Fire safety: Do the lockers have to meet specific NEN standards for escape routes? This is essential in hallways.
- Service Level Agreement (SLA): If a lock breaks, how quickly is the supplier on site? And can they reset locks remotely?
If you research this well, you prevent buying a system that is outdated after a year or does not integrate with your existing pass system. For specific questions about security standards or comparing the right specifications for your situation, it is often best to consult the experts directly. If you are specifically looking for sustainable options, it is wise to look at Eco lockers Netherlands 2026: providers and list [Comparison].
Request a quote (and ask for this!)
Want to request a quote? Be specific. Always ask for a breakdown into:
1. One-time hardware purchase (cabinet + lock).
2. Installation costs (including project management).
3. Software implementation (configuration and training).
4. Recurring costs (licenses and support).
5. The option for Locker-as-a-Service (monthly payment).
Want to be sure you choose the right partner for your situation? Sometimes it helps to first overview the market and filter on what is really needed for the staff. Compare the options here: Secure staff lockers Netherlands 2026: provider and ordering [Checklist].
Pitfalls: where it goes wrong
There are a number of mistakes that are frequently made. First: Wi-Fi dependence. Always try to connect lockers via cable (LAN). Wi-Fi is for your phone, not for critical infrastructure. A malfunction means that no one can open their locker.
Second: Cheap battery-powered locks. If you have hundreds of locks on AA batteries, you will be busy replacing them every year. Choose wired locks (PoE) or locks with an extremely long lifespan.
Third: Software lock-in. Check if the hardware you buy also works with other software platforms. Suppose your current provider stops, you do not want to have to replace thousands of locks.
When choosing a locker (whether for personnel or archives), safety and certifications play a huge role. Especially for business-sensitive data, it is crucial that you meet the requirements. For more information on high-security requirements, look here: Locker selection help Netherlands 2026: factors and SME [Comparison].
Finally, think about fire safety. A locker must not only be strong, but also not endanger safety in case of fire. If you place lockers in escape routes, the correct certification is mandatory. You do not want smoke or flames spreading via the lockers. Look at the specific standards here: Flame safe locker providers Netherlands 2026: standards and quotes [Checklist].
Ultimately, it is all about the right balance between costs, convenience, and future-proofing. Whether you choose a party like Olssen that takes everything out of your hands, or another specialist, make sure you know what you are buying. Because once you install smart lockers, you want to enjoy them for years to come.
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