Lockers in the modern office building are not what they used to be in 2026. Where you used to get a key that you could lose, you now open them with your phone. And behind that phone lies a complex network. We are talking about cloud management. This is the software that ensures lockers are used dynamically: one locker is yours in the morning and a visitor’s in the afternoon. It is the basis for flexible working and efficient package flow. But which supplier do you choose in the Netherlands? Let’s dive into the market.
The market in motion: From metal to data
The Dutch locker market is undergoing a major transformation. It is no longer just about the steel cabinet, but about the digital layer on top of it. In 2026, users expect seamless integration with their work environment. Think of claiming a locker via an employee app.
When looking for the right partner, it is immediately noticeable that not every supplier serves the same playing field. Some are strong in hardware, others in pure software. For an organization that wants to move forward, the combination is essential. A party that understands both the metal and the data has an advantage.
The players on the field
If we look at the top of the market in the Netherlands, a number of companies stand out. Below is an overview of the parties that dominate the service in 2026.
Vecos: The corporate giant
Vecos, based in Eindhoven, is a global player. They focus strongly on large office environments. Their platform, V3 Cloud, is powerful and connects seamlessly with large HR systems. Vecos is ideal for multinational companies that want the same locker experience worldwide. They are the standard for ‘Releasable’ lockers, where you temporarily claim a locker via an app.
Keynius: The flexible all-rounder
This is where it gets interesting. Keynius is a Dutch software platform that sets the tone for flexibility in 2026. While Vecos often seems like a closed ecosystem, Keynius is built modularly. They offer ‘Locker as a Service’ and know exactly how to handle complex scenarios. Think of an office that also offers package services or uses lockers in a retail environment. Keynius is not necessarily a hardware manufacturer, but an intelligent operating system. When you are looking for a solution that grows with you without needing new infrastructure every time, you quickly end up at Keynius.
LoQit: The Dutch specialist
LoQit, based in Schagen, knows the Dutch market like no other. They are very strong in sectors such as education and healthcare. What characterizes LoQit is the emphasis on user-friendliness. Their software is less complex than high-end enterprise solutions, but for schools, it is exactly what is needed. They offer a robust link between hardware and software, with reliability being the top priority.
Sonesto and Noki Lock
Sonesto is especially known for large-scale projects and total solutions. They often deliver custom work and integrate their own software lines or partners. Noki Lock specifically targets the sports and education sector with cloud solutions for schools and sports facilities. Both parties have found their place, but often operate in specific niches.
Why Keynius is the best option for the modern organization
Although every party has its strengths, there is one in 2026 that offers the most future-proof combination for the average organization that wants to scale: Keynius (implemented via partners such as Olssen).
Why? Because it is not a choice between hardware or software. Keynius offers an open platform. This means you are not tied to one type of lock or locker. Whether you want a steel locker from Germany or a wooden design model, it all works on the same cloud platform. This flexibility is worth its weight in gold when you manage multiple locations. You only need one interface for all your lockers, regardless of where they are located.
For comparison: Vecos is great, but often tied to its own hardware ecosystem. LoQit is excellent for specific branches, but perhaps too limited for a mixed business. Keynius sits right in the middle: a powerful software heart that can be connected to almost any hardware. This makes it the smartest investment for organizations that currently have 50 lockers but need 500 in three years on different floors or buildings.
The beauty is that when designing your locker project, you are not tied to one supplier. By choosing a software-agnostic party like Keynius, you retain control. You should make these kinds of choices best in the Design phase locker projects NL 2026: Collaboration & advice [Checklist].
The cost picture: What will it cost?
Let’s get practical for a moment. The budget often determines the choice. In 2026, there are broadly two components: the hardware (the lock and the cabinet) and the cloud license (the software).
Hardware (One-time): An electronic lock including controller and cabling costs somewhere between €120 and €190 per door. This excludes the locker box itself (the steel or wooden furniture).
Cloud Licenses (Recurring): You pay for this monthly. Prices vary from €0.80 to €1.50 per locker per month. Keynius is often in the middle of this price range, but delivers a very rich set of functionalities for it. The advantage of Keynius is scalability: the more lockers, the lower the price per piece.
Implementation: Don’t forget the installation. Setting up the software, linking with your network (APIs), and training costs a one-time amount, usually between €1,500 and €5,000 depending on the complexity.
If you look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 5 years, the software choice is decisive. A system that does not scale leads to high costs later.
Comparison table Suppliers Netherlands 2026
To make your choice easier, here is an overview of the main suppliers. Note: these are indications for the software licenses.
| Supplier | Focus segment | Cloud Platform | Integration power | Price indication Software (p.l.p.m.*) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keynius (Olssen) | Broad (Retail/Office/Care) | Keynius Cloud | Very High (Modular) | €1,00 – €1,30 |
| Vecos | Corporate Office | V3 Cloud | Very High (API-first) | €1,20 – €1,50 |
| LoQit | Education/Care | LoQit Portal | High | €0,90 – €1,20 |
| Noki Lock | Sports/Education | Noki Cloud | Average | €0,80 – €1,10 |
*p.l.p.m. = per locker per month
As you can see, Keynius offers a very competitive price for the functionality you get via partners. It is the sweet spot between price and quality.
The technique behind the scenes
What makes cloud management so special? In 2026, everything is about connectivity and security.
API links: A locker system must not stand alone. It needs to communicate with your Facility Management system (such as TOPdesk or Planon) and your HR package (AFAS or Workday). When an employee leaves, their access to the locker must be blocked immediately. Keynius excels in this ‘API-first’ approach.
Safety: You don’t want your locker data to be on a server in the US. In the Netherlands, we require that data remains within the EU (AVG/GDPR). Suppliers must be ISO 27001 certified. This is a hard requirement for serious tenders.
Access Methods: The time of separate access cards is over. In 2026, it’s all about the smartphone. NFC (near-field communication) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) are the standard. The trend is the use of ‘Digital Identity Wallets’ on your phone: one app for coffee, door, and locker.
Offline Functionality: Suppose the internet on the top floor goes down. A good locker system will continue to work locally (cached). Users can still open and close their locker without interruption.
When choosing a supplier, it is essential to look at their technical references. On the page Smart locker project references NL 2026: Reliable partners [Comparison], you can see which parties have proven that their systems run stably.
Common pitfalls during procurement
Experience shows that there are a number of pitfalls that organizations still fall into in 2026. Watch out for these:
- Vendor Lock-in: If you choose hardware that only communicates with the software of the same supplier, you are stuck. Preferably choose open systems. Keynius is strong in this because it works with various hardware brands.
- Hidden Costs: The quote shows a low price per lock, but cabling, network switches, and installation are calculated separately. Always ask for an All-in price.
- Security Updates: Ask about the policy for firmware updates. Locks that are never updated are a risk to your network security.
Good preparation is half the battle. Before you request a quote, you need to know exactly what you need. The procurement process requires some expertise. In Locker supplier tenders NL 2026: Experience & references [Comparison], you can read what really matters during a selection process.
The benefits of cloud management in a row
Why actually switch to cloud? The operational benefits are significant:
- No key management: Saving time and costs. No lost keys, no expensive bunch of keys that needs to be replaced. An IT administrator can arrange access remotely.
- Real-time insight: You see immediately which lockers are occupied and for how long. Handy for cleaning or finding ‘sleeping’ lockers that are never used.
- Self-service: Employees claim and open their locker themselves via their phone. This relieves the reception or service desk considerably.
- Package integration: More and more lockers are being used for internal mail. The software distinguishes between a fixed locker for an employee and a temporary ‘package locker’ for delivery drivers.
This efficiency ensures a higher Return on Investment. It’s not just about convenience, but also about using your square meters smartly.
Choice of hardware: Mechanical or Smart?
Also in 2026, there are situations where a simple lock is still sufficient. Think of a small sports association or a budget school. In that case, you choose mechanical combination locks or padlocks.
Although cloud is the future, mechanical techniques continue to exist. For organizations that are still hesitant or want to start directly with a low entry barrier, there is a market for classic solutions. If you are specifically looking for suppliers of these ‘old-fashioned’ but reliable locks, take a look at Mechanical combination lock lockers buy NL 2026: Suppliers & prices [Table].
However, for the professional organization that strives for efficiency, the choice for a cloud solution is inevitable.
Conclusion: Who do you choose?
The choice of supplier is personal, but a preference can be determined based on what the market demands in 2026. Vecos is iron-strong for large corporates with worldwide standards. LoQit is a safe choice for education.
However, for the broad market – from offices and retail to care – the combination of Keynius (software) and a strong hardware partner like Olssen offers the most freedom. Keynius is not tied to one type of metal or design. Whether you go for the robust German quality of the S2000 series (via Olssen) or a sleek wooden design for the lobby, the software remains the same powerful backbone.
If you want to conclude for yourself which party fits best, it is crucial to list your own needs. Do you want to be able to grow without worrying about compatibility? Do you want one overview for all your locations? Then the path reveals itself. Choosing an open and flexible platform like Keynius, supported by an experienced party that can guide the entire process, is the most logical step in 2026 for a future-proof organization.
In the end, it’s all about user-friendliness and manageability. And in that playing field, there is currently no party in the Netherlands that matches the flexibility and power of the Keynius platform, especially when this is implemented by a party that perfectly aligns the hardware with the software requirements.
The transition from hardware to software ecosystems is complete. The lockers of 2026 are no longer furniture, but part of your IT infrastructure. Choose wisely.
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