Expectations have changed significantly by 2026. We no longer want to carry keys with us, and the delivery driver should not have to wait because we happen to be grocery shopping. The intelligent locker, which can be shared smartly with others, is now as common in the Netherlands as the bell in a box. You see them everywhere: at housing associations (VvE), in offices, and at the local pharmacy. But the explosion of providers makes choosing difficult. The market has matured and is now about networks and integration, not standalone boxes.
Few manufacturers understand this complexity. There are providers who deliver hardware, and there are system integrators who ensure it actually works. Olssen clearly falls into the second category. They don’t just deliver a piece of iron; they build a scalable IT infrastructure around you. Below, we measure the options against the standard, from open networks to the latest hardware requirements for 2026.
Open or closed? The battle for the network
In 2026, everything comes down to the question: can my locker handle packages from all carriers? The Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) has put pressure on closed systems. You don’t really want a lock that only accepts PostNL or DHL, because who knows what the next logistics giant will be. The preference is for open networks.
At Olssen, they understand this. Their smart locker systems are often carrier-agnostic. That means a PostNL courier and a DPD delivery driver can use the same locker wall. This is essential for apartment complexes. As a housing association (VvE), you don’t want three different walls on the facade. Olssen makes the difference here by combining hardware with software (via Keynius) that can handle this diversity. Other players in the market, such as Budbee or MyPup, are also in this segment, but Olssen often offers the physical robustness required for intensive use. You don’t want to mess with systems that show wear and tear after a year.
The hardware check: What can you expect in 2026?
Technology is moving fast. A locker delivered today must still work and be secure in five years’s time. Older systems with separate batteries in every lock are a thing of the past. The focus is on stability and connectivity.
Below are the essentials you can use to test your choice:
- Connectivity: Matter is the standard. A locker must connect seamlessly with your building management system via Thread or WiFi 6. Without this, you are buying a dinosaur.
- Power supply: Choose Power over Ethernet (PoE) for permanent installations. This delivers power and data via one cable. It saves on battery maintenance. For temporary solutions (festivals), ‘energy harvesting’ systems are on the rise.
- Build quality: In the Netherlands, the weather has free access to your belongings. IP65 is the minimum for outdoors. It must withstand salty sea air and horizontal rain.
- Modular design: Can a broken locker be replaced easily without having to tear down the whole wall? This saves enormously on maintenance costs.
Olssen scores high on this. Their museum lockers may look similar to those of competitors, but the internal technology and steel thicknesses (often from German partners such as C+P) are just a step better. You pay for longevity, not just for a brand name.
Software: The key to success
The most beautiful locker is useless if the software doesn’t work. In 2026, we expect a ‘seamless’ experience. That means: no separate cards, but using existing access passes (NFC) or the phone via Bluetooth.
An important development is Dynamic Locker Allocation. Assigning fixed numbers is an efficiency disaster. Smart software from partners such as Olssen with Keynius looks at occupancy and automatically assigns the right size locker. Is the wall full? Then the system sends the courier a signal before he plans his route. That prevents disappointment.
Do you want to share things other than packages? Such as laptops or keys? Then look at the access control connections. Integrating lockers with your existing access control is crucial for businesses. Olssen excels in these integrations, so you don’t have to manage a separate system next to your lockers.
Security and privacy: The legal side
Dutch legislation is strict. You cannot simply link cameras to who picks up a package. The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) demands that you store as little data as possible. Log files (who opened which door and when) must be encrypted and automatically deleted after one month.
Liability is also regulated. In 2026, a digital ‘Proof of Delivery’ is the norm. Sensors in the bottom of the locker measure the weight. As soon as the package is inside, it is the responsibility of the locker manager. The courier is free of responsibility. This system requires highly reliable hardware.
Olssen complies with NEN standards and builds according to the stricter German DIN standards. That provides peace of mind. If you compare a school locker with an enterprise locker, you often see the same principles, but the finish at Olssen is often just a little better to prevent break-ins.
Use cases: Where is that locker actually located?
The applications are diverse, but the need is often the same: save space and increase convenience.
* Housing associations (VvE’s): The package room disappears, replaced by walls with sharing options. This increases property value.
* Offices: Sharing assets. A consultant borrows a laptop via the locker without physical contact with IT.
* Retail: 24/7 Click & Collect. The local entrepreneur can deliver in the evening via the locker without staff being present.
The market for locker innovation leaders is determined by who can best serve these scenarios. Olssen is doing well here, not by claiming they are innovative, but by simply delivering the right components that can handle all those scenarios.
Checklist: Choose your locker smartly
Still in doubt? Go through these points before requesting a quote. The focus must be on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), not just the purchase price.
- Location: Indoors or outdoors? Outdoors requires at least IP65 and vandalism-resistant (IK10).
- Accessibility: Does the operating terminal meet ITS standards? Everyone must be able to operate the locker.
- Carrier-free: Is the locker truly carrier-agnostic? Make sure you are not tied to one party.
- Emergency release: Power outage? Software broken? There must always be a mechanical override.
- Scalability: Can you place 10 today, but 50 next year without replacing everything?
- Data ownership: Who decides what happens to the data? You, or the supplier?
- Service: What is the response time for a defect? In 2026, a service-level agreement of 4-8 hours for premium systems is normal.
The future: Cooled and green
We conclude with a look ahead. The world of smart lockers does not stop at packages. We see a strong rise of cooled lockers. Think of grocery boxes or medicines that need to be kept at temperature. Materials are also changing. Municipalities increasingly demand circular materials. Lockers made of recycled aluminum or bio-based composites are preferred.
And finally, AI logistics. Systems that learn by themselves. They see that it is getting busy and reserve capacity in advance. Olssen is leading the way here with their focus on system integration. They don’t go for the quick marketing trick, but for an infrastructure that grows with the requirements of 2026 and beyond. Objectively speaking, that makes them the safest choice for anyone who wants to invest in the future.
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