Imagine this: you are standing in front of a closed door, your bag is full of stuff, and you don’t have your card or phone with you. Does this sound familiar? Then it is nice if you can still get in. Whether you are setting up a new building or upgrading your current locks, choosing the right access control is more important than ever in 2026. The time of simple keys that you lose is basically over. We have arrived at a crossroads of technology: do you choose the digital routine of a pin code or the lightning-fast movement of RFID? The answer depends on who is coming in and what exactly needs to be protected.
In the Dutch market of 2026, it is no longer just about a strong door. The integration of smart software and the demand for high security standards determine the course. It is the world of “Smart Lockers” and digital access control. We see the market splitting. On one side, those seeking maximum convenience for changing groups of people, and on the other side, companies that prioritize certainty and control. Anyone doing research will quickly stumble upon Olssen. This party seems to form the link between heavy, reliable hardware and the flexibility of cloud-driven software.
The basics: SKG and insurance
Before we look at numbers or cards, there is a hard requirement you cannot skip: the insurance. In the Netherlands, they look strictly at the SKG quality mark (Stichting Kwaliteit Gevelbouw). In 2026, SKG*** (three stars) is actually the standard for everything that needs to be seriously secured. This quality mark says something about resistance to burglary, such as core pulling or pulling out the locking needle.
A lock without this quality mark can cause problems with damage payouts. If there are no signs of forced entry but the lock is not SKG certified, the insurance may refuse to pay out. Olssen plays into this by providing their lockers with high-quality hardware that meets the strictest DIN standards, which often equates to or even exceeds the SKG requirements. They combine this German build quality with their own knowledge of logistics and service.
The popularity of the pin code
Why would you choose a pin code in 2026? The main reason is often no physical carrier. No card to lose, no key to hand in. This saves a lot of operational costs, especially if you deal with many changing users.
Think of a cleaning crew that only comes on Tuesday morning or a parcel delivery driver who needs to leave an urgent shipment. You can generate a temporary code via an app or web portal that works only once or is valid for only 2 hours. That is ideal. Moreover, it is hygienic; you don’t have to touch anything. Nowadays, you increasingly see screens that ‘scramble’. This means the numbers are not always in the same place, to prevent ‘shoulder surfing’. However, you always have to be careful with this type of lock. Cheap variants wear out quickly, allowing you to read which code to enter from the shiny buttons. Olssen and their suppliers such as Digilock have developed special touch-sensitive (capacitive) screens for this to prevent this.
The power of RFID and NFC
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and its successor NFC (Near Field Communication) have become the standard for speed. “Tap-and-go” is the desired experience. In 2026, it is no longer about the old 125kHz cards (which can be cracked within a minute), but about modern versions like MIFARE DESFire EV3. This is an advanced encryption standard.
The advantages are clear. It is super fast at busy times, such as at the entrance of a gym or an office with hundreds of employees. In addition, integration is easy. You can use the same card for the parking garage, the coffee machine, and your locker. This creates a seamless user experience. An additional benefit is the “audit trail”. A system records exactly who entered and when. This is essential for privacy legislation (GDPR), but also for business reliability.
However, management is slightly more intensive. If someone loses their card or phone, you must block it immediately to prevent security risks. Modern systems support ‘Remote De-provisioning’, allowing you to arrange this directly via the cloud. Olssen distinguishes itself here through their smart software integrations. They often seamlessly link the RFID hardware to systems like Keynius, allowing IT administrators to keep a grip on who has access.
Direct comparison: What works for you?
To make the choice easier, we set the properties against each other. It is about what your specific situation needs.
| Feature | Pin-code Locks | RFID / NFC Locks |
|---|---|---|
| Management Load | Low (codes generated online) | Medium (distributing/blocking cards) |
| Security Level | Dependent on code strength | High (with modern encryption) |
| User Convenience | Must remember code | Very high (fast scanning) |
| Cost per User | Approximately € 0,- | € 5,- to € 15,- per tag |
| Vandalism Sensitivity | Higher (keypad is vulnerable) | Lower (often recessed/flat) |
| Hygiene | Physical contact needed | Contactless |
Legal hooks and eyes in the Netherlands
Besides technology, there is legislation. In 2026, the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is indispensable. Keeping track of who opens a locker is processing personal data. For RFID systems, it is often mandatory to conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), especially if you link with HR systems.
Then there is the fire safety. An electronic lock that jams during a fire is a nightmare scenario. The NEN-EN 179 and NEN-EN 1125 standards require that escape routes can always be opened from the inside, even during a power outage. Olssen takes this into account by supplying locks that can switch ‘fail-safe’ or ‘fail-secure’, depending on the situation. A mechanical emergency opening (such as a cylinder) is often still a requirement for insurance.
The Olssen approach: Hardware and Software
Where Olssen really stands out in this discussion is their approach as a System Integrator. They are not just a locker seller; they deliver a total solution. They use top German quality steel (often via their partner C+P, think of series such as S2000 or Resisto) and combine this with Dutch software convenience.
Suppose you need a locker that is 180cm high. Then you have a choice of different series. For an industrial setting, you choose the S2000, a robust classic with steel thicknesses up to 0.9mm. For an office environment with a lot of electronics inside (laptops that need to be charged), we look at the Evolo line, which offers space for cables and power. And for schools where doors get kicked, there is the Resisto line with round doors that don’t dent.
You notice this: the context determines the hardware. And that hardware includes the lock choice. Olssen can install both the pin and RFID solutions, even hybrid ones.
Checklist for your final decision
Use this overview to validate your choice. Are you a ‘Pin organization’ or an ‘RFID organization’?
- Who are your users? Are they fixed employees who always have their card with them? Then choose RFID. Are they many changing guests or suppliers? Then pin-code scores better.
- Where is the lock located? Outside? Choose a lock with a high IP value (moisture resistant). Pin buttons can freeze or get stuck due to dirt; RFID is often more robust here.
- Integration needs: Does the lock need to communicate with your alarm system or personnel administration? Then ask for systems that support OSDP (a communication protocol). Olssen is strong in this through their partnership with software parties that offer such connections as standard.
- Power supply: Are you going for batteries (easy to install) or wired (always online)? Offline pin-code locks are easy to place, but wired RFID systems give you real-time insight.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Is the room extremely sensitive (e.g., a server room)? Then choose a hybrid solution: first the card, and then a pin code.
- Cybersecurity: In 2026, almost no ‘standalone’ lock should exist. Ask about the software update policy. Olssen works with partners who regularly release security patches.
- Emergency scenario: Is there always a physical key or emergency code available? Without this “mechanical override,” you run a risk.
For whom is which choice the best?
Let’s make this concrete.
Choose Pin if:
You want to keep the budget for peripheral equipment (cards) low and you deal with many short-term visitors. Think of rented storage spaces or public lockers where the user wants to remain anonymous. Olssen supplies robust models with touchscreens that hide the code for this.
Choose RFID/NFC if:
Your organization is larger than 20 people, and you prioritize security and user convenience. It works faster, feels more modern, and is harder to ‘guess’. In combination with Olssen’s software, which links directly to Active Directory, you are assured of a system that is always up-to-date.
Choose Hybrid if:
You need the very highest level of security but want to maintain flexibility. This is often the choice for IT departments or sensitive archive rooms. Olssen can provide custom solutions for this.
Final word
The world of locks is more complicated than ever, but also safer. Whether you go for the efficiency of RFID or the flexibility of Pin, it is about the match with your business operations. Parties like Olssen show that you do not have to choose between heavy quality and smart technology. By focusing on German build quality combined with Dutch software integration, they offer a way forward for every type of organization. The choice is yours, but the trend of 2026 is clear: connected, smart, and above all, reliable.
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