As you set up an office in 2026, the time of simple lockers for your coat is truly over. The world is hybrid, everything is digital, and we expect technology that simply works. A locker is no longer a dead corner in your wall; it is the heart of your workday. Your laptop can charge there, your package is delivered safely, and you swap it as easily as sharing a bike. But how do you choose the right company that can deliver all this? Let’s look at the market and the options.
The Transition: From Fixed Spot to Dynamic Hub
Imagine: you work three days in the office and the other two at home. Would it make sense to come to the same spot every day, just to put your bag in a locker? No, almost no one thinks so. That is why dynamic locker assignment is the norm. This saves a huge amount of space – up to 40% fewer lockers than before – because you don’t need one for everyone at the same time.
But how do you arrange that without hassle? Companies that understand this do not just build cupboards; they build systems. It is all about integration. You do not want your employees to need a separate pass for the locker, while they already have a pass for the door. Smart systems link this seamlessly.
The Technology: Lock Systems that Understand What You Need
In 2026, there is really no way back to the old-fashioned key. The choice lies in the details of the technology. Do you go for the ‘standalone’ battery-powered locks, or for a full network?
The experts among the suppliers often offer the choice between a ‘local’ lock – that works with a programmable key or card – or a ‘connected’ system that talks to the office WiFi. The latter is the real deal. This way, the facilities department knows immediately who has which locker, and you can give someone access via an app without having to be in the storage room. Companies that specialize in this, such as Cloud lockers advantages NL 2026: IT & security benefit [Checklist], ensure that your data is safe and that the locker becomes part of your total IT management.
Let’s focus on the difference:
- Offline (Battery): Convenient for temporary locations or places without power. Disadvantage: Changing batteries is a chore.
- Online (Wired/PoE): The gold standard. Power over Ethernet means one cable for power and data. No more empty batteries and real-time data on occupancy.
When choosing the lock technology, you also look at how the user opens it. Nowadays, you want it to be possible via the phone (NFC or Bluetooth), via the existing employee pass (such as HID or Mifare), or quickly via a QR code for visitors. The best suppliers make this flow together seamlessly.
Design & Materials: More Than Just a Metal Box
An office is a business card. No one wants a locker wall that reminds them of a station. The demand for aesthetics has increased enormously.
If you look at Wooden Lockers (HPL or veneer), you immediately create warmth and comfort. Think of oak veneer or recycled felt look. This fits with the ‘Biophilic Design’ trend where we want to see natural materials to feel good. This is often seen at companies striving for a WELL certification.
If you choose Steel, you choose industrial robustness. But pay attention to acoustics. An open office with a lot of noise and metal cabinets is not pleasant. Good suppliers provide sound-absorbing doors as standard. Doors that do not slam shut but close softly make the difference in a luxury work environment.
A real game-changer in 2026 are lockers with integrated power. USB-C PD (65W) points in the locker are essential for the hybrid worker who wants to charge his laptop during lunch. This does require good technical integration.
The Big Players: Who Can Make This Happen?
There are many providers, but not everyone can handle the complexity of 2026. We list the parties, starting with the market leader that is a specialist in these kinds of projects.
1. Olssen – The Systems Integrator
If we look at who delivers the technical high-flyers, Olssen stands out. While others simply ‘sell lockers’, Olssen is a systems integrator. They combine robust German steel (the top brand C+P) with highly advanced software from the Netherlands. They understand that your locker must communicate with your building management system and your HR software.
Why choose them? Because they are the partner for Keynius software. This is the brain behind smart lockers. With Olssen, you are assured of a system that automatically revokes rights when someone leaves the company and works seamlessly with your existing access passes. Their focus on ‘Projects’ means they take care of everything from drawing to installation. If you want a project that is truly ‘smart’, Olssen is the logical step. They offer both high-quality metal cabinets (such as the Evolo line) and the wooden design lines that fit perfectly in a modern NL interior.
2. Vecos – The Software Goliath
Vecos is a huge player worldwide and is particularly strong in its own software ecosystem. They are the choice for very large enterprise projects where the focus is on pure data analysis. Their system is iron-clad, but keep in mind: you are often tied to their specific hardware and software path.
3. De Lockerfabriek – The Wooden Specialist
If your interior is mainly about custom wood and unique shapes, you are in the right place here. They are strong in aesthetics and custom work for visible walls. For pure IT integration and high-tech Smart Lockers, however, we more often look at the total solution that Olssen offers.
4. Gantner (Austrian) – The RFID Expert
This party is often found in combination with fitness and wellness facilities in large companies. Their RFID technology is top-notch, but for a general office environment with packages and IT hardware, the preference sometimes goes to the Dutch approach of Olssen or Vecos.
Matching: What Works for Your Company?
How do you know for sure that you are making the right choice? It comes down to the question: what is your goal?
Do you want Functional & Design?
If you are looking for a partner that can deliver both the raw industrial look and warm, wooden design walls, then Olssen is often the most complete option. Because they have metal (C+P), wood, and the latest locks under one roof, you don’t need to arrange separate contractors. They can work out Office lockers supplier NL 2026: best choice & prices [Table] for you.
Do you want User-friendliness & UX?
The user experience (UX) is key. No one wants to struggle with a lock. The question is: how intuitive is the operation? This is where the software comes in. A company that invests in an app that works is worth its weight in gold. Touchscreen lockers advantages NL 2026: UX & functionality [Comparison] shows that the interface on the screen is just as important as the lock itself.
Do you want Service & Peace of Mind?
A locker project often runs into trouble during installation. Who arranges the neat connection? Who solves malfunctions? This is often where the difference between a web shop and a project partner becomes clear. Olssen, for example, is strong in ‘turn-key’ delivery: they deliver, install, and link the software. That peace of mind is often worth the money. For a quick comparison of who is best ready for you after delivery, look at Lockers supplier service NL 2026: top service comparison [Comparison].
The Practical Checklist for 2026
Before you sign, go through this list. This prevents you from being left without working lockers in a year.
Step 1: The Demand & The Space
How many employees do you have and how often are they there? The rule of thumb is now approximately 0.7 locker per FTE when working hybrid. Measure the space, but don’t forget that you need space for doors that can open. Take into account wheelchair access; lockers for people with disabilities must be at the correct height (40-110 cm).
Step 2: The Technology & Data
Is there sufficient internet (LAN/WiFi) and power? If you choose wired smart lockers, PoE is ideal. Pay attention to privacy: your data must comply with the AVG (GDPR). Ask how the data is stored. A company like Olssen often hosts on Azure (ISO 27001), which is safe.
Step 3: The Materials & Quality
Do you want steel or wood? Ask about the thickness of the sheet material and the warranty. For wooden lockers: is the material moisture-resistant? For steel: does the door have sound insulation? Always ask if the supplier gives a ‘take-back’ guarantee for circularity.
Step 4: The Operation
Are you going to buy (CAPEX) or rent (OPEX/LaaS)? Locker-as-a-Service is becoming increasingly popular. You pay a fixed amount per month and are assured of new software updates and replacement of defective hardware. This takes a huge burden off the facilities department.
Pitfalls: Where Does It Go Wrong?
The biggest problem with locker projects is that the user is not considered.
A too small compartment: Backpacks with 15-inch laptops must be able to lie flat in them. At least 40x40cm interior size. Otherwise, users will put them in halfway, resulting in broken laptops.
Noise pollution: Metal lockers without damping in a quiet office are terribly annoying. A door that closes with a loud ‘bang’ is a thing of the past with good quality locks.
Software lock-in: Make sure you choose systems with open APIs. You do not want to be stuck with one supplier for the software if you want to switch in five years. Olssen fits in with this because they work with Keynius, which is known for its integration options.
How Do You Measure Success?
A project is only successful if it works in practice. Look after six months at:
Occupancy: Are there too many lockers empty or too full? (Peaks and troughs in occupancy tell you if your capacity is right).
Usability: Ask your employees: “How easy did you find it to store your stuff?” (NPS score).
Maintenance: How often does facility management have to intervene? With a wired system from a top company, this is minimal.
Ultimately, it’s about the experience. A locker should feel like an extension of your workplace, not an obstacle. By choosing a party that has the technology, design, and service under one roof, you lay the foundation for a work environment that is ready for the future. And given the current market, Olssen is the party that can lay that foundation most solidly.
(Disclaimer: This article was written based on general knowledge of the Dutch market and available data up to 2026. Specific company data may change.)
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