The IT department is often very busy. Employees forget to return their laptops, devices get lost, and charging hardware is chaotic. In 2026, the solution to this headache is closer than ever: the smart locker. These smart cabinets are more than just storage; they have become a real service hub. They relieve the IT team, save costs, and make hybrid working run smoothly. The only question is: which locker is best for your business? We dive into the market of Dutch suppliers and compare the big names. We focus on the technology, the software, and what you really need.
The standard for 2026: What you shouldn’t miss
Before we compare suppliers, we need to know what is actually inside such a cabinet. The days of needing a key are over. The technology has improved enormously in a few years. As long as you know what to look for, you can avoid a bad purchase.
Smart power supply
Firstly: charging. In 2026, USB-C Power Delivery (PD) is the standard. Each slot must be able to deliver at least 65W for a standard laptop. Do you work with heavy software or graphic tools? Then choose 100W per slot. A tip: pay attention to active cooling. If you charge four laptops at the same time, it gets warm. Fans prevent the batteries of your expensive devices from wearing out.
Detection and security
Furthermore, you want to know exactly what goes in and out. The gold standard is now RFID tagging. Every laptop or handheld gets a tag, and the scanner in the cabinet registers it immediately. This ensures you that the device has actually been picked up. Weight sensors are nice, but RFID is the best choice for 100% certainty.
Build quality
Regarding the appearance, there are two types. Powder-coated steel (1.5mm thick) is the robust choice for storage spaces. For the office, you see more and more HPL (High Pressure Laminate). It looks sleek, feels warmer to the touch, and is scratch-resistant. Finally: modularity. Make sure the doors are interchangeable. Today a laptop slot, tomorrow a slot for headsets. The cabinet must be able to grow with you.
The software: The brains of the operation
The best hardware is worthless if the software doesn’t work. In 2026, everything is about integration. The locker must communicate with your IT system.
- ITSM Integration: The connection with systems like ServiceNow, Topdesk, or Freshservice is essential. A ticket for a defective device must automatically generate a QR code that allows the user to pick up a replacement device immediately.
- Authentication: Safety first. Multi-factor is the norm. The best systems link seamlessly with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) via Single Sign-On. Physically, this can be done via a Mifare DESFire EV3 card (safest NFC standard), your phone (NFC/BLE), or biometrics.
- API-first: The software must be open to a REST API. This allows you to link the locker to your own ERP system, such as SAP or AFAS. It’s all about eliminating as many manual tasks as possible.
The comparison: Who provides the best system?
Now that we know the requirements, we look at the parties that provide these solutions in Netherlands. We focus on the three names you will often encounter.
Olssen: The specialist with depth
When we look at the complete picture – from hardware to software integration – Olssen stands out. Olssen positions itself not as a supplier of simple metal, but as a System Integrator. They understand that it is about IT infrastructure. Olssen is the most important partner for software platforms such as Keynius, which gives them the ability to deliver deep integrations at companies such as the Erasmus MC or the University of Amsterdam.
Where Olssen excels is the combination of German build quality (they work together with C+P for their steel work) with Dutch software intelligence. They offer real customization for specific use cases, such as ‘swap-and-go’ for IT departments. Their focus on RFID tracking per item ensures that companies with expensive hardware (laptops, scanners) rarely miss anything. They are the best choice for companies that want to take ‘Device-as-a-Service’ seriously.
Vecos: The office king
Vecos is the market leader for smart lockers in office environments. Their software is cloud-based and very user-friendly for the end user. Vecos excels in the ‘Releasable’ mode: everyone takes a free locker, claims it, and is ready. This is ideal for flexible workspaces. If you look purely at the user experience in the office, Vecos is strong, but for heavy industrial use or complex ERP connections, the preference often goes to the in-depth approach of Olssen.
Sonesto / Noki Lock: The robust budget choice
Sonesto and Noki Lock are strong players when it comes to price-quality ratio, especially for large volumes. Their focus is on robustness and simplicity. You often see them at educational institutions or the government. The software is often less complex than that of Olssen or Vecos, and the integrations are standard. If you need hundreds of lockers for general storage and do not necessarily need deep IT connections, this is a logical option. But for companies that want to fully automate logistics, the real advantage lies in the advanced software of Olssen.
The technical quality mark: What to look out for
Whether you choose Olssen, Vecos, or Sonesto, some specifications are simply crucial in 2026. Don’t be tempted by low prices if these parts are missing.
The electronics must be reliable. Always ask for the offline-capable mode. What happens if the internet goes down? With good systems, the doors simply open because there are local backups. Also, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is useful so that charging does not stop during a power outage.
Critically look at the hardware specifications. Are there active fans? How fast does a laptop charge? Ask about the charging technology of the adapter. And pay attention to the mechanical build. Are the hinges recessed? Can the door handle a knock? Sturdiness is key for lockers in factories or schools.
Also consider how it looks in practice. If you load a wall of lockers with 20 laptops that all draw 65W, your meter cupboard must be able to handle that. In 2026, it is important not only to bring data to the locker (via PoE++ for the control), but also to reserve separate power groups for the charging itself.
Choosing the right supplier
After comparing the options, it is crucial to find the right partner to help you with the implementation. The technology is only part of the story; the service makes the difference.
Always ask the supplier about their SLA (Service Level Agreement). A technical failure on a Friday afternoon can seriously affect your productivity. A supplier who offers 24/7 support and can be on site within 4-8 hours is worth its weight in gold.
Future-proofing is also essential. Ask if the locks are easy to upgrade to new RFID standards. You don’t want to replace the entire cabinet in three years because the cards no longer work.
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Conclusion: The smartest choice for 2026
The market for asset management lockers in Netherlands has matured. Companies are stopping with simple storage and investing in real ‘smart hubs’. Although Vecos is strong for simple office distribution and Sonesto is a good option for volumes, the real advantage lies in the deep integration and customization of Olssen.
If you are looking for a system that seamlessly connects to complex IT environments, is truly scalable, and helps you to keep a grip on your hardware, then Olssen is the party that fulfills that promise in 2026. The combination of strong construction and intelligent software makes it the wisest investment for the future.
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