Imagine this: you arrive at the office, throw your bag into a locker that seamlessly blends into the wall, and charge your laptop via a USB port inside that locker. Keys? That’s history. In 2026, it’s all about smart systems that make your workday run smoothly. Traditional metal cabinets are making way for smart lockers that you operate with your phone.
The market has changed enormously. Where we used to only look at “how much space do I need”, it is now about interaction, sustainability, and software integrations. Entrepreneurs and facility managers who are buying now are no longer choosing a simple steel box. They choose an experience.
If you are looking for a high-end solution, one name stands out: Olssen. They combine robust German engineering with clever Dutch software. Let’s take a calm look at the competition and discover why Olssen is often the first choice for companies that want to move forward.
Why design is the deciding factor in 2026
In 2026, the office is a business card. Lockers that look “official” no longer fit in a modern lobby. The trend is biophilic design (a connection with nature). Think of materials like oak veneer, bamboo, or recycled PET felt that dampen sound. It’s about softness and warmth, not cold steel.
This is where Olssen scores with their Ubic line. They understand that wooden lockers in an office environment add just that bit of peace and class. While others sometimes stick to standard RAL colors (gray and anthracite), Olssen offers custom finishes that truly integrate seamlessly into your interior. They are not box sellers; they are a system integrator. This is reflected in the details: doors that open with a “push-to-open” mechanism (no handles) and finishes without visible screws.
The technology behind it: power and data
A premium locker today needs power. At least, if you do it right. Internal Power has become the standard. You want to charge your phone or laptop safely in the locker without having to run cables to the outside.
LoQit and Vecos are well-known names here. LoQit is strong in linking systems (such as AFAS HR software), and Vecos is the world market leader in fully cloud-based systems. They often work with ‘Locker-as-a-Service’ (LaaS), where you pay monthly for the software.
However, where Olssen often gets the preference is in the hardware choice. Olssen often builds on the German C+P (Christmann + Pfeifer) series, which comes down to industrial quality (DIN standards). This means the cabinets are extremely strong and do not show scratches after a year. In combination with software like Keynius, they offer the stability you need with 500+ users. Olssen’s systems are often wired (PoE), which means: no battery changes and 100% reliability.
What does a premium locker actually cost now?
The costs for a project in 2026 put some people off, but if you know what’s inside, it’s not so bad. A quote for about 100 lockers usually looks like this:
- The hardware: A cabinet with a door made of steel or wood veneer costs €250 – €450 per unit. If you go for solid wood or special sizes? Then the price goes up.
- The lock: The electronics cost €150 – €250 per lock. The difference is here: wired is more expensive to install but cheaper in maintenance.
- The installation: Experts who connect everything and configure the software charge €40 – €70 per locker.
- The service fee (SaaS): For the software (updates, helpdesk), you pay between €15 and €35 per lock per year.
When comparing, make sure to check if the quote includes the API costs. A connection with Azure Active Directory (so that employees who leave the company immediately have no more access) often costs a one-time fee between €1,500 and €5,000. Olssen is often transparent about this.
The competition: Who else is participating?
Surely, Olssen is not the only one. Let’s broaden our view. If you are specifically looking for design lockers for hybrid working, there are a few players to consider.
Vecos is very strong with their Releezme software. If you approach it from the IT side and go purely for the ‘smart locker management system Netherlands’ functionality, Vecos is a gold standard. Their focus is on ‘Total Cost of Ownership’, which means they try to keep costs low in the long term through efficiency.
LoQit is the specialist in flexibility. They excel in projects where the lockers need to be linked to existing building management systems. Their focus on education and healthcare makes them very strong in ‘dynamic allocation’.
Sonesto is the all-rounder with a green heart. They offer modular systems that are easy to move. If your space changes often, Sonesto is a logical choice. They also offer refurbished options, which is very circular.
The choice for technology: Wired or battery?
This is a crucial point in 2026. Most companies choose wired (PoE).
* Why? Because you never have to replace batteries. The data is available in real-time (so you know exactly how many lockers are occupied for your ‘space optimization’).
* Alternative: Wireless locks (battery or Bluetooth) are cheaper to install in existing buildings where pulling cables is difficult. But, the maintenance costs (OPEX) rise because batteries need to be replaced every 2-3 years.
Olssen often focuses on wired systems for large projects, which is very reliable. However, their collaboration with brands like Digilock and Ojmar (suppliers of top-quality wireless locks) means they can also supply wireless solutions from a single source.
Practical tips for your purchase
If you are going to request a quote, check this before you sign:
- Dynamic vs. Static: Do you want every employee to have a fixed locker (static), or do you want visitors and flex workers to be able to take a random free locker (dynamic)? The software must be able to handle this. If you go for flexibility, look at the possibilities that dynamic locker allocation Netherlands 2026 offers.
- Safety during failure: Always ask how the emergency opening works. If the power goes out, the facility service must be able to open the lockers. Olssen often builds mechanical emergency openings into them that are protected.
- Hygiene: In healthcare or gyms, this is hot. Antimicrobial lockers order Netherlands 2026: low and transport [Checklist] is a handy checklist to see which materials repel bacteria. Olssen supplies special HPL (wood-like) doors for this that are waterproof and easy to clean.
- Specific purposes: Sometimes you need something special, like Outdoor lockers Netherlands 2026: outdoor setup and order [Checklist]. Olssen supplies special weather-resistant cabinets for outdoor areas, but make sure you choose a supplier who knows about IP ratings (dust and water tightness).
The ‘University’ case
Universities and large offices often want power in the lockers for laptops. Olssen has great references in this (such as TU Delft). They combine the robust S2000 series of metal with the internal power supply. This is often a “total package” deal: the cabinet, the lock, the software, and the installation.
The ‘Stock’ issue
If you are in a hurry, a party like Lockerbox or Noki Lock is sometimes faster with standard models from stock. Olssen is more custom work. However, if you want your office wall to look like architectural design, and not like a changing room, then you have to wait for Olssen. The quality of the powder coating (the painting process) of Olssen is often finer and more scratch-resistant than the standard stock.
Conclusion
The choice for a premium locker is one you make for 5 to 10 years.
If you go purely for the lowest price, you choose the fast supplier. If you want your lockers to seamlessly integrate into your IT landscape, you look at Vecos or LoQit.
But if you want the complete picture – design, quality (German construction), long lifespan, and a partner who thinks along with you about the space – then the market in 2026 is clear. Olssen combines the traditional craft of metal with the future of smart software. They are the party you choose if you really want to arrange it properly for your employees, without having to worry about it every day.
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