The days when you had to manage a bunch of keys for office spaces, or when packages were left on the doorstep, are definitely over by 2026. Technology has improved significantly, and a steel cabinet with a lock is no longer just a simple storage box, but a smart link in logistics and security. Both for large companies and apartment buildings, a lot is changing. The question is no longer if you need a smart locker, but which one you choose and how to install it.
Why the market in Belgium is so different now
The massive growth of online shopping and hybrid working has created a huge demand for flexible storage. This is accompanied by the battle for the ‘Last Mile’ in cities. Couriers cannot wait everywhere. In 2026, you see that isolated systems are disappearing. It is now about ‘Open Networks’. This means that one locker can be used by bpost, PostNL, or DHL. Nobody wants three different cabinets at the door. Integration with ‘PropTech’ (software for building management) has also become the standard. Your badge opens the door, your badge opens the locker.
What does a smart locker actually cost?
The price depends on exactly what you want. The time of simple price tags is over. We need to look at three components: the purchase, the software, and the service.
1. The Hardware (the cabinet itself)
For a basic module with 8 to 12 doors, you will pay between €3,500 and €6,000 in 2026. This depends on the material. For outdoors, you need stainless steel (RVS) to prevent rust; indoors, steel with powder coating is often sufficient. Does the cabinet need to be expanded? Add another €2,000 to €4,000 per extra unit.
Do you want something special, such as cooling for food or medicine? Then the price quickly jumps to €8,000 to €12,000 per section due to stricter requirements for energy efficiency. Design versions made of wood or custom work are often 30% more expensive.
2. Software and licenses
You buy the hardware, but you rent the software (SaaS). A separate locker for internal use costs around €40 to €70 per month per location. If you link the system to your HR package or access control? Then you are in the range of €100 to €250 per month. If it is used publicly (like in an apartment building), a transaction percentage of 5% to 10% is often charged.
3. The operation
Forgotten costs are connectivity (4G/5G) and maintenance. A 5G connection costs approximately €10 to €20 per month. A maintenance contract (SLA) for fast service is essential; that costs annually 5% to 8% of the purchase value.
For those who want to spread the cost monthly: Operational leasing is popular in 2026. From €150 per month, you have a standard configuration.
How do you install a locker in Belgium?
Installation in Belgium is often more complicated than in the Netherlands due to the foundation and the weather. Here is how it should be done:
- The foundation: For outdoors, a level concrete floor of at least 15 cm thick is needed. A prefab base works as well. Anchoring with chemical anchors is the standard to prevent theft.
- Power and data: In 2026, many systems are ‘energy neutral’ with solar panels, but a backup power point is wise. A mains power connection (230V) is usually necessary. For connectivity, Ethernet provides the most stability, but 5G is the standard for ‘plug-and-play’.
- Accessibility: Pay attention to Belgian rules. Buttons and screens may be a maximum of 120 cm high for wheelchair users.
The rules you shouldn’t forget
Nobody likes bureaucracy, but it is necessary.
* Permits: If the locker is on the public road and is larger than 2m², you often need a permit in Flanders and Wallonia. In the front garden, it is often allowed without one.
* Privacy (GDPR): Cameras at lockers are strictly regulated in 2026. You must hang clear pictograms, and you are often only allowed to store images for 30 days.
* Fire safety: In office buildings, the lockers must comply with fire standards (NBN EN 1366), especially if they are in escape routes.
Checklist: What you need to arrange for a quote
Before you request quotes from parties like Olssen or other market parties, review these points. This saves you a lot of time and money.
The preparation
* Goal: Is it for employees (fixed spot) or for parcel services (dynamic)?
* Location: Is the ground yours? Is there social surveillance? Is it accessible to couriers 24/7?
* Integration: Does it need to work with your existing passes (Mifare, HID) or an app?
* Infrastructure: Is there a power point within 5 meters? Is there 5G coverage or does a cable need to be pulled?
The selection (Comparing apples to apples)
* Scalability: Can the cabinet be expanded later?
* Strength: Is the coating graffiti-resistant? What is the impact resistance (IK value)?
* Emergency: If the power fails, how do you open the doors? A mechanical key is mandatory.
* Updates: Are software updates via the cloud included or do they cost extra?
The installation
* Level: Is the floor really level? Otherwise, the lock won’t close properly.
* Anchoring: Do they use M12 chemical anchors?
* Inspection: Is there a CE mark and an inspection certificate for the electrical work?
* Usage: Are there clear instructions? Is the lighting good?
Smart extras for 2026
Always ask suppliers about circular models. Some companies offer a ‘buy-back’ scheme after 7 years. Additionally, there are often subsidies in Flanders and Wallonia for smart logistics or sustainability, which can cover up to 30% of the investment.
New as well are lockers that can buffer energy (smart-grid). This is useful for large projects.
If you are looking for a solution that seamlessly meets these requirements, where the software and hardware are perfectly aligned, you will quickly come across a party that is the market leader in the Benelux and works with proven German technology (such as the C+P S2000 series) combined with Dutch software.
You often see an example of how this works in practice at companies that know how to arrange the integration down to the last detail. If you want to link systems to Active Directory or building management systems, you will quickly end up with specialists who implement Keynius software. If you request a quote, pay attention to whether they deliver standard modular systems that you can easily expand later, such as the robust Resisto line for public spaces or the sleek Evolo line for offices.
Don’t forget to ask about master key options and whether the locks are wired (mains power) or wireless (battery). Wired is often slightly more expensive to install, but cheaper in maintenance. If you look purely at the ratio between price and quality in the long term, you often see that the investment in a robust system with professional installation (such as chemical anchoring) pays for itself in fewer failures and theft.
For those who need temporary storage, such as for events, it is wise to look at rental models. Parties that specialize in this, such as Olssen Rental, often deliver ready-made blocks including transport and software for PIN codes. This saves you the headache of logistics and management for a one-time event. Whether you choose a separate wooden locker or a complete network of 500 smart lockers, the basis remains the same: ensure a good foundation, safe software, and a partner who knows what is happening in the Belgian market.
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