Imagine this: you walk into the office after a wet bike ride. Your bag is full of your laptop, your lunch, and an extra sweater. Your colleagues are there too, but the space still feels empty. It is Wednesday, the ‘hybrid day’. Where do you put your things? And more importantly: how many colleagues actually need a locker today?
The days of simply ordering lockers based on the total number of employees are over. In 2026, it is all about data, smart distribution, and flexibility. After all, you don’t want to pay for empty cabinets. Furthermore, technology has changed enormously. A simple key is often no longer enough. We dive into the numbers and practice to determine what really works.
The hard numbers: How do you calculate it?
The biggest danger is the 1-on-1 mindset. “We have 100 employees, so we need 100 lockers.” Wrong. In 2026, we work from home too much to maintain that logic. We look at the Peak Occupancy, or the busiest day.
For offices, use the following calculation: (Number of FTE x 0.7) + 10% extra. That 0.7 is the flexibility factor. The 10% is for visitors or employees who have to work unexpectedly.
* Choose a mix: Make sure 20% of your lockers are large (for laptop bags or sports bags) and 80% are compact (for a coat, phone, and lunch box).
For education, a different logic applies. In secondary school (VO), the 1:1 norm remains. Those heavy backpacks must have a place. In higher education (MBO/HBO/WO), 1:3 or 1:4 is a safe bet. Students often use ‘day lockers’ near the library or bike parking.
Who uses them and what do they need?
A locker is not just a locker. It depends on who uses it. The classic cyclist in the Netherlands has specific wishes.
- The Cyclist: Needs a deep locker for a helmet and rain gear. Ventilation is essential to prevent bad smells.
- The Commuter: Works with a laptop. It needs to be charged. Look for lockers with USB-C or 230V connections inside.
- The Temporary Guest: Think of mechanics or job applicants. They do not want to create an account. A system that works with a QR code or a one-time pin code is ideal.
Note: The demand for power in lockers is increasing. In 2026, it is almost standard. It is smarter to include this immediately than to have to pull cables through the corridors later.
The technology: From lock to cloud
The time of lost keys is over. Professional locker walls in 2026 run on smart software.
RFID (like your pass for the door) or NFC (your phone) is the standard. Why? Because you can immediately see who is using which locker. Useful for the facilities department, but also for safety.
This data is worth its weight in gold. Insight into occupancy helps you scale up or down. Do you want to arrange this properly? Then you shouldn’t just look at the locks, but at the entire infrastructure. Compare beforehand the Remote locker control software Netherlands 2026: top fixes [Comparison] to see which system connects seamlessly to your existing network.
Physical space usage: The comfort zone
Where do you put them? Visible or hidden? The trend is clustering at traffic nodes: elevator halls, coffee corners, or the entrance. This stimulates the ‘clean desk policy’ and ensures that things do not remain scattered on desks.
In terms of height, there is a clear ‘comfort zone’: between 600 mm and 1500 mm from the floor. Everything lower requires bending down and everything higher is inconvenient for daily use.
Also smart: a recessed plinth (about 10 cm). Cleaning robots cannot bump into this and you prevent damage.
Checklist for 2026: 15 points for the decision maker
This is the moment to make concrete choices. Use these questions to get your tender sorted.
- Target group: Who are they and what will they put inside? (Keys or a sports bag?)
- Occupancy: What is your busiest day (data from access gates)?
- Location: Centrally visible or quietly hidden away?
- Access: Do you want RFID, an App, or a Pin code? (Note: no more keys!)
- Software: Does it need to link with your HR system? If an employee leaves, the pass must be blocked immediately.
- Power: Is charging capacity needed in the locker?
- Ventilation: Do you need ventilated lockers for damp sportswear?
- Safety: Does it comply with the AVG (GDPR)? (Are you allowed to register who opens when?)
- Fire safety: Are the materials fire-retardant (NEN-EN 13501-1)?
- Inclusivity: Are there lockers at sitting height for wheelchair users?
- Scalability: Can I easily add a piece later?
- Maintenance: Is there a contract for software updates?
- Aesthetics: Does the wall need to dampen sound or function as a room divider?
- Sustainability: What is the residual value? Suppliers with a buy-back program are worth their weight in gold.
- Budget: Look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), not just the purchase price per door.
Safety and legislation
A locker is private. If you use electronic locks, you register data. Ensure a data processing agreement with your software provider to comply with the AVG (GDPR).
Furthermore, financial benefits can be achieved. Check if you can use MIA/Vamil schemes if you choose sustainable, modular materials. You increasingly see Lockers-as-a-Service (LaaS) emerging. You pay a monthly amount and are assured of the latest technology and service, without it being a large investment at the start.
The pitfalls: What to watch out for
If you decide now, you don’t want to regret it. The most common mistakes in 2026 are:
* Too few large lockers: People increasingly bring trolleys or large laptop bags. Only small compartments do not work.
* Poor lighting: A locker wall in a dark corner is used less and attracts dirt. Ensure LED indicators (Red = occupied, Green = free).
* No emergency procedure: What if the power goes out or the server crashes? A physical master key or a Power-over-Ethernet backup is essential.
Making choices for the right sector
Every sector has specific requirements. It is wise to delve into solutions that are specific to your industry. Are you looking for secured solutions for workers? Then look at the options for Secured workers lockers providers Netherlands 2026 [Checklist].
Are you specifically looking for storage solutions for IT equipment, such as servers or tablets? Then the specifications are different. IT device lockers providers Netherlands 2026 [Checklist] will help you on your way.
For healthcare, hygiene and robustness are important. Look for specific construction requirements at Hospital lockers providers Netherlands 2026: robust construction [Checklist].
The Olssen approach: What makes the difference?
There are many parties on the market, but the choice for a partner that understands that a locker has become an IT product is crucial. Olssen distinguishes itself here. They are not just a supplier of metal boxes; they are a System Integrator. That means they don’t just supply the cabinet, but also arrange the software and integration with existing systems.
An example is the collaboration with Keynius software. This ensures that you, as a facility manager, have real-time insight. Olssen combines this with high-quality hardware, such as the robust C+P series (such as the S2000 or Evolo) that meet strict German DIN standards. Whether you choose metal that is almost indestructible (Resisto line) or warm HPL for an office environment, the quality is consistent.
If you look at the integration of technology, the right mix of sizes, and the Dutch support they offer, the choice becomes logical. They think along about the future-proofing of your purchase. Whether it is temporary rental for events or a fixed system for a university, the expertise is present. For those looking for a reliable partner who can handle the complexity of 2026, a company like Olssen offers the certainty you need. It is the smartest choice for a smart, scalable, and safe locker solution.
]]>
Geef een reactie