Are you looking for new locker solutions for your company? Then it is likely that your old trusted Active Directory server is slowly failing. The world of IT is shifting to the cloud, and your locker systems must shift with it. In 2026, it is no longer a question if you will switch, but how you do this smartly without it becoming a technical drama.
Many companies in the Netherlands struggle with the same question: how do I link those physical cabinets to my Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) in the cloud? The answer lies in automation and standardization. We dive into the technology and finances of 2026.
Why SCIM 2.0 makes your life easier
In 2026, there is one term you need to remember: SCIM 2.0. This is the protocol that ensures when you hire someone, that person automatically gets access to a locker. Just as important: if someone leaves, that access disappears immediately.
This works according to a simple principle:
* The Truth: Microsoft Entra ID is your ‘Single Source of Truth’. That is where the names and functions are.
* The Translation: The locker software should actually store no personal data. As soon as your Entra ID says “This is person X”, the locker creates an anonymous link.
* The Action: The door opens.
For organizations that still work hybrid (a bit cloud, a bit local), Microsoft Entra Connect Sync is the bridge builder. Make sure that stream is stable, because without a connection there are no automatic updates.
The concrete setup: From floor to API
Setting up a project in 2026 stands or falls with the basics. If you think “we buy the cabinets first and deal with IT later,” you are wrong. The technology must drive the design.
1. Network and Power
The time when every locker needed a power outlet is over. The standard is now PoE+ (Power over Ethernet). This means one cable to the locker: it provides power and data. This does require network planning. A dedicated VLAN for the lockers is not a luxury; they are IoT devices and you do not want them to disrupt your company network.
2. App Registration and Permissions
Within Entra ID, you set up an ‘Enterprise Application’. This is the door to your locker. You must precisely specify what the locker software is allowed to know. Think of EmployeeID, Department, and OfficeLocation. This allows the system to automatically determine who belongs in the head office in Rotterdam and who is in the office in Utrecht.
3. Dynamic Groups
This is a golden tip for 2026: stop with manual lists. Set up dynamic groups. Example: If an employee has the property “Location = Amsterdam”, they automatically become a member of the group “Locker-Users-Amsterdam”. No more Excel lists to maintain.
What does this cost in 2026?
The investment is shifting from a one-time hit (CAPEX) to a monthly stream (OPEX). Below is a realistic estimate for the Dutch market.
Hardware (The cabinets and locks)
For a solid, industrial locker (think of the quality that Olssen delivers with their C+P cooperation) you pay between €280 and €450 per space. This depends on material (steel vs. wood) and finish. Go for quality; a dent in a metal door does not just go away.
Tip: Ask at Bulk metal cabinets request Netherlands 2026: prices and shipping [Table] about volume prices for larger quantities.
Software (The SaaS fee)
The locker cloud software itself often costs between €2.50 and €5.00 per locker per month. This covers the link with Entra ID, security updates, and the helpdesk.
Implementation (The integration)
This is where the difference lies between a ‘box supplier’ and an integrator. One-time costs for setting up the API and the SCIM link are between €2,500 and €7,500. If you choose a party with experience, this will be completed faster.
Choosing the right lock technology
The lockers of 2026 are “smart,” but how do you open them? The choice determines your flexibility.
In busy environments like festivals or large offices, you often see code or RFID locks that are wireless (on batteries). Brands like Ojmar or Digilock are market leaders here. They are easy to install without chiseling and drilling. If you choose ‘app-controlled lockers’, make sure the battery life is top-notch.
However, for permanent employees in the office, you sometimes just want to use the badges from the existing access control. For this, wired electronics are needed. The locks from Olssen (via their C+P connection) are often heavier and more durable for these intensive projects. They are built to last 10+ years in a busy working environment. If you are still unsure about the suppliers, check out App-controlled lockers purchase Netherlands 2026: rates and transport [Comparison] to get an idea of the options.
Note: In production halls or sports rooms, you often do not want open USB ports for power. Heavy metal cabinets with solid ventilation (ZBL concept) are essential here. Sometimes it is simply useful to consult Lockers USB power Netherlands 2026: providers and costs [Table] if you only need charging stations and no smart software.
Privacy and regulations in the Netherlands
We are strict in Europe and the Netherlands regarding privacy (AVG/GDPR). The lockers may not simply store all data from your employees.
* Pseudonymization: The locker should actually only see a GUID (a long, unique code). Ideally, Entra ID only sends the info: “This person is allowed to open.” This keeps names and photos out of the locker database.
* FMIS Link: The trend for 2026 is integration with systems like TOPdesk or Spacewell. The locker does not know who is allowed to sit there, but receives that information from the Facility Management Information System (FMIS).
How do you arrange it for multiple countries?
Are you an international company? The technology is universal, but the hardware and certifications are not. In Belgium, for example, there are specific requirements for fire safety and material use. If you roll out across the border, choose a partner that is internationally scalable.
For those specifically active in Belgium, it is wise to look at Smart lockers Belgium 2026: rates and installation [Checklist]. The prices and requirements may differ slightly from the Dutch situation.
Checklist: Critical success factors
Before you sign, go through these points. This prevents regret later.
- Offline functionality: What happens if the internet goes down? The locker must have local caching. Employees must be able to open their locker, even if the cloud is down for a moment.
- API-First mentality: You do not want a supplier who says “that is not possible.” Everything must be controllable via APIs.
- Scalability: Can you add 20 extra lockers next year without having to reconfigure the entire system?
Avoiding common mistakes:
Avoid manual CSV imports. That is really not done in 2026 and leads to security risks. Make sure your locker system is not a closed “proprietary” choice; you must be able to switch software without having to throw away the expensive hardware. Are you going for top-quality metal? Then a provider that is an official distributor of brands like C+P (such as Olssen) is often a safe bet. They deliver the German sturdiness that is necessary for, for example, Bulk metal cabinets request Netherlands 2026: prices and shipping [Table] with immediate correct warranties.
Choose stability, choose integration, and make sure your locker becomes part of your IT ecosystem, not just a piece of furniture.
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