The days when every employee got their own locker with a personal key and a nice sticker are definitely numbered. In 2026, it is all about efficiency and saving space. We work in hybrid ways, we move through the building, and we do not need 10 square meters for a few sneakers and a lunch box. Fortunately, the technology is advanced enough to handle this well, without feeling complicated.
The main question is therefore: how do you arrange this smartly? Which provider offers technology that really works and what choices must you make? Let us look at the options, from the technology to the best providers.
Why the old standard no longer works
Imagine an office building with 1000 employees. In the past, you would count 1000 lockers. That was a massive wall, a lot of steel, and a huge cost item. In 2026, we know better. Flex workers are not all in the office at the same time. The ratio is often 1:3 or 1:4. This means you need far fewer lockers, provided you share them smartly.
This is the essence of flexible locker allocation. A locker is no longer “Jan’s”, but it is “available for anyone who needs it now”. The software manages who opens it and when it becomes available again.
The technology: what must it be able to do?
Before you look at providers, you need to know what is technically possible. You do not want lockers that are outdated after just one year.
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The locking mechanism:
- Online Wired (PoE): This is the gold standard if you can run cables. No batteries to change, real-time data.
- Wireless (LoRaWAN/BLE): Useful if you do not want to do any breaking work, but battery life is a point of attention.
- Standalone: Battery-powered, often with a programming key. It works, but offers less data insight.
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The Identification:
- The era of plastic cards (NFC) is certainly not over yet. It simply works, and almost everyone has one.
- QR codes via an app also work fine, especially for visitors who do not have a company card.
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The Integration (API):
- This is often the bottleneck. Can the system communicate with your roster system? If someone logs into Teams or Outlook to make a reservation, the locker should be able to be reserved automatically. Without this link, you will keep having manual work.
Providers in the Netherlands: Who is good?
The Dutch market is mature. There are a number of players that really matter. Let us look at them.
The specialists
When we talk about high-quality, modular systems that fit perfectly into the dynamic work environment, you quickly come across Olssen. They offer a very complete package, from hardware to software integration via Keynius.
Furthermore, there are other strong parties that have their own specialty:
- Vecos: They are the market leader and developer of the V3 platform. They are strong in automatically releasing lockers. When you leave the building, the door opens for the next user. This prevents so-called “ghost-lockers”.
- Sonesto: This party often focuses more on the total picture, including physical interior design. They are experts in maximizing volume in minimal space, especially with their ‘Z lockers’.
- Gantner (SALTO): A global player that focuses on integration with existing access control systems. Useful if you already have a complete security network in place.
- Releezz: A newer player that focuses heavily on user-friendliness and data analysis. They help you optimize occupancy.
Why Olssen often gets the preference:
If we look at the combination of modular construction (the lockers themselves are extremely sturdy, often German quality like the C+P series) and flexibility in software, Olssen scores very high. They are not just a “box shifter”, but a System Integrator. This means they think along about the installation, the cable ducts, and the link with your system. In addition, they offer a wide range of materials, from standard steel for the company hall to high-quality HPL (plastic) for a representative office environment.
The Checklist: What should you check before signing?
To prevent disappointment, we have compiled a checklist. Use this to compare providers. If you go through this, you can be sure that you are not making a bad purchase.
1. Functional Requirements (What must it do?)
* Self-service: Can the user choose and open a locker themselves via an app or card? Without you as a facility manager having to intervene?
* Automatic release: Can the system ensure that a locker opens automatically after a certain time (e.g., 24 hours) if it is not being used? This prevents lockers from standing empty for days.
* Charging: Are there lockers with built-in USB-C or 230V outlets? In 2026, it is essential that employees can charge their laptop or phone inside the locker.
2. Technical Prerequisites
* Connectivity: Do you have Wi-Fi or cabling everywhere? Internet is needed for flexible allocation lockers.
* Backup: If there is a power outage, how do we solve that? A physical master key is handy, but sometimes a backup power supply is better.
* Cloud vs Local: Where is the data stored? In 2026, a cloud solution is the standard for updates and security.
3. Privacy (GDPR)
* Data minimization: Is only a number stored, or also how long the locker was occupied? You do not want a privacy scandal.
* Right to be forgotten: Are logs automatically deleted after a year? This is legally required.
4. User Friendliness (UX)
* App-less: Can it be done with a card, or do I have to force everyone to download an app? A card often works more easily for the majority of users.
* Findability: In a large wall of 400 lockers, is there a function to find your locker? (“Find my locker”).
5. Management & ROI (Money)
* Reports: Can you see a “heat map”? Which lockers are popular and which are never used? This allows you to save costs later.
* Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Watch out for license costs. A locker costs €300, but if the software costs €10 per year per lock, you will end up paying much more after 5 years.
The “Ghost-Locker” trap
There is one big problem that is often forgotten: the ghost-locker. This is a locker that shows as “occupied” on the screen, but is actually empty. This happens when someone forgets to release their locker.
In 2026, a system should alert you: “Hey, you haven’t released your locker yet, but you have already left the building.” Make sure this feature exists, otherwise you lose valuable space.
Comparisons and further reading
It is a complex playing field. Depending on your specific situation, another party might fit better. For example, if you are specifically looking for simple software for small offices, you can read this article: Simple locker software Netherlands 2026: providers and prices [Comparison].
If you look at the cost per locker, there are big differences between suppliers. We have listed the prices for you in: Office locker prices providers Netherlands 2026 € [Table].
The Business Case: Why it is really cheaper
Let us go back to the beginning. Why are we doing all this? Because it saves money. A lot of money.
Suppose you pay €40 per square meter per year for office space. If you have 1000 employees and you purchase dynamic lockers (let’s say 350 units instead of 1000), you save a huge amount of wall space. This means you use your floor space more efficiently. The higher price of a smart lock is earned back twice over because you need fewer square meters or you get a much calmer wall.
In addition, management is much easier. You do not need to manage keys. And when you look at events, it is interesting to know that you do not have to buy, but can rent. For example, for a congress: Event lockers Netherlands 2026: order or lease [Checklist].
Conclusion: Choosing the future
Choosing flexible allocation is choosing the way we work now. The best choice is a system that grows with your organization. Whether you are setting up a retail store or a headquarters, the technology is there. If you are looking for a partner who can help you from advice to installation, and who delivers the right hardware suitable for intensive use, it is wise to look at the expertise of parties that go further than just selling a piece of metal.
For specific projects in the retail market where customers must use the lockers, other requirements apply. It is crucial that the systems are super stable and easy to use without instructions. Here is an overview of how to approach that: Retail locker projects providers Netherlands 2026 expertise [Checklist].
In short: move away from the idea of “one locker per person”. Go for dynamic, smart, and connected. Then you will be fully ready for the future in 2026.
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