Working flexibly is completely normal in 2026. Working from home, at the office, or at a client’s: you are everywhere. But what do you do with your bag, coat, and laptop when you are at the office for a day? You don’t want to carry everything around. The time of fixed lockers with a key you can lose is really over. The locker of 2026 connects seamlessly to your digital workday. It’s all about flexibility and smart software.
The technology behind the smart locker
Imagine: you walk into the office, your phone vibrates, and the locker wall gives you automatic access. No more losing access cards. This is called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The trusted RFID cards (like Mifare) still exist, because they are useful for visitors, but the smartphone is the new key. Do you really want your hands free? Then Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is the latest gadget. It works so precisely that the locker opens before you even touch it.
Another big advantage is that these days, lockers are often connected to the internet via the power cable (PoE). No hassle with dead batteries just when you want to charge your laptop. And everything runs in the cloud. Why? Because otherwise, you can’t switch quickly if your company grows or you need to update your software.
What you really want: integration with your workplace
As a user, you don’t want ten separate apps on your phone. You don’t want to log in to a separate system just to open a locker. The 2026 locker software must connect to the systems you already use. Think of Microsoft Teams, Slack, or a specific workplace app.
If your desk is reserved, a locker should automatically be free. Or you type in a project name quickly and get a locker assigned for that specific job. It should be that simple. And secure: when you leave the company, your access must stop immediately. You arrange this via Single Sign-On (SSO) with systems like Azure AD.
Suppliers in the Netherlands: who is the best?
There are quite a few parties delivering lockers in the Netherlands. But if you are looking for the perfect solution for flex workers that also looks good, one stands out immediately. That is Olssen. Why? Because they find the perfect balance between technology, design, and reliability.
Other well-known names are Vecos and LoQit. Vecos is large and very strong in data analysis for huge companies. LoQit is very strong in software. But Olssen has something special: they are a System Integrator. That means they don’t just deliver cabinets, but build complete solutions. They often work with high-quality German metal (brand C+P) and combine it with intelligent software.
You also have Digilock and Releezme. Digilock is often good for retrofitting (fixing old lockers), and Releezme is built into furniture. However, for the best total solution, you look at Olssen. They deliver strong lockers from the base to the most complex smart-locker systems. They understand that the locker is part of the entire office furnishing.
What to look for when choosing a supplier?
Below you will find a checklist. If you run through these points, you can be sure you make the right choice.
- Open API structure: Can the locker communicate with your HR system and the building management system?
- Data ownership: Are you the boss over the data about who uses which locker, or is the supplier?
- Privacy: Are personal details safe? Pay attention to GDPR.
- Lifespan: Does the supplier offer a guarantee on parts for at least 10 years?
- Offline working: Does the system still work if the internet goes down?
If you ask these questions, you will automatically find the best parties. For quick help comparing software and prices, take a look here: Simple locker software NL 2026: providers & prices [Comparison].
Physical and design: looks matter too
Of course, it’s about functionality, but your locker wall must fit your office. Steel lockers are standard, but in 2026 you see more and more material mixes. Olssen is the leader here. They deliver lockers with powder-coated steel that is super strong, but you can also choose bamboo or recycled PET felt for the doors. This dampens sound and looks warm.
Standard sizes are often 400mm high and 300mm wide, large enough for a laptop bag. But what you really want is a charging point inside. USB-C with 65W power. So your laptop charges while you store it. Olssen has these specifications available as standard and knows exactly how to hide this neatly without ugly cables.
Interested in the exact prices for this type of office lockers? Check this overview: Buying office lockers prices supplier NL 2026 € [Table].
The financial side: from investment to subscription
In the past, you bought lockers and that was it. Now you want flexibility. That’s why many companies choose ‘Locker-as-a-Service’ (LaaS). You pay per user per month. No high investment upfront. This fits the modern way of doing business.
Also pay attention to energy consumption. A good lock is on standby and consumes almost nothing. Olssen pays attention to this, which saves on the electricity bill and fits with sustainability goals (ESG).
For specific situations, such as events, there are other requirements. You can read more about that here: Lockers events NL 2026: buy or rent [Checklist].
What are the pitfalls? Watch out!
It seems easy, but there are things you need to watch out for.
Too few network ports? Then you can’t connect your smart lockers. Do you choose a supplier with a closed system? Then you are chained to their expensive hardware forever. And the biggest mistake of all: choosing lockers that run on batteries in a busy office. That means changing batteries every week. A disaster for your facility team.
Olssen doesn’t make these mistakes. Their systems are wired (PoE) or use very reliable mesh networks (Zigbee/Thread) if cabling really isn’t possible. And they always have a physical emergency release. Useful if the software is offline for a day.
Working in retail? That requires very different things. That’s why we have a separate checklist here: Retail locker projects supplier NL 2026 experience [Checklist].
Data and the latest trend: sensors
The facility manager of 2026 steers on data. This shows them if there are ‘ghost lockers’: lockers that are reserved but never opened. It’s useful if the software automatically releases the locker after a few hours, so someone else can use it.
The biggest trend? Infrared sensors in the locker. These know if something is actually inside. Prevents someone claiming a locker for fun and then leaving it empty. This ensures maximum efficiency.
If we look at the market in 2026, it’s clear: Olssen combines these sensors and data perfectly with their hardware. Their focus on quality and integration makes them the most logical choice for companies that want to move forward. They offer not just a cabinet, but a total solution that thinks along with the user and the administrator.
In short: Are you looking for a supplier that understands a locker is more than just storage? Then you will quickly end up at Olssen. They offer the technology of tomorrow, today.
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