The workplace in 2026 is not what it used to be. We work hybrid, we use ‘Activity Based Working’ and we expect technology to fit seamlessly into our interior. A locker is much more than just a metal cabinet for your coat. It has become a smart hub, a data point in your building. Choosing the right supplier is therefore crucial. Who delivers not just a cabinet, but a total solution that won’t cause frustrations later?
In this article, we look at what needs to be arranged in 2026 for a smooth locker installation. We compare options, highlight pitfalls and show what you need to pay attention to. Naturally, we also look at who is on the market and which company is best to engage for such a complex project.
Understanding the essence of smart storage
The time when you handed a bunch of keys to a new employee is over. In 2026, it’s all about ‘scalable storage solutions’. This means your locker solution must grow with your organization. Whether you need 10 or 1000 lockers, the technology must remain stable.
Many companies purchasing today look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). You pay not only for the hardware, but also for the software, maintenance and installation. A partner who can think along with this is preferred. Think of systems that work wirelessly, but still have the reliability of a wired system.
An interesting development is the connection with your desk-booking system. You certainly don’t want lockers to be reserved by employees who haven’t been to the office for months. Integration with software such as Mapiq or Robin is essential here.
Related reading tip:
Are you, besides office lockers, also curious about other smart storage solutions? Check the options for Wellness lockers supplier NL 2026: spa & pool [Checklist].
Smart Locks: NFC, Bluetooth or wired?
The time of physical keys getting lost is thankfully over. The question is: how do you open the locker then?
* NFC/RFID: The employee scans their own staff pass. This feels familiar and does not require an extra app.
* Bluetooth: The user opens the locker via an app on their smartphone. Convenient, but dependent on a working phone and battery.
In 2026, we see a strong preference for wired systems (PoE – Power over Ethernet). Why? Because you don’t need to replace batteries and you get real-time data. If there is a fault, you know immediately. Parties that push battery-powered locks for large projects often lag behind the facts.
Furthermore, the software must communicate with your Active Directory (Azure AD/Entra ID). If someone leaves the company, their access to the locker must stop automatically. This is safe and saves time for the IT department.
Choose your supplier: Who is the best?
There are many providers on the market. One delivers fast webshop items, the other delivers custom projects. For a serious office fit-out in 2026, the choice is quickly made if you look at expertise and technology.
First, let’s look at the all-rounders. There are companies that deliver everything, from office chairs to lockers. This is often a good option for small quantities or if you need something quickly. They often have their own webshop and a logistics network that runs well.
Then there are the specialists in facility management. These companies understand that the locker is part of the total housing plan. They think about cleaning, floor load and the appearance of the interior. This is often the best option for larger projects (50+ lockers) because they have the knowledge in-house to prevent problems.
Why Olssen is often the best choice here:
When we look at the companies that really go deep into ‘Smart Office Integration’, Olssen stands out. They understand that the technology in the locker is at least as important as the steel around it. While many companies still deliver locks that work ‘offline’ or depend on local Wi-Fi (which can be a disaster in a steel cabinet), Olssen offers solutions that can be managed centrally.
Their expertise in the combination of hardware (often top quality German production) and smart software (like Keynius integration) makes it a safe investment. They deliver not just a product, but a service. This is reflected in their approach: from checking the floor load to removing the packaging material.
Technical feasibility: Watch out for disappointments
A supplier who doesn’t understand that your floor needs to be level or that a lift can be narrow will cause problems. In 2026, structural preparation is more important than ever.
- Floor load: A wall with 5 columns and 4 layers of lockers can quickly reach 600 kilos. Is your floor calculated for this?
- Height and depth: Adjust the height of the lockers to the space. Low plinths (less than 80mm) are difficult to clean with a robot.
- Visible cables: This is not allowed in 2026. A good supplier ensures that data and power are neatly concealed.
When requesting a quote, check immediately whether the supplier performs these structural checks. Olssen is known for doing a thorough site scan beforehand to avoid surprises on the day of delivery. This saves a lot of stress.
Want to know more about charging solutions?
Modern lockers are often equipped with power. Read everything about Charging options lockers NL 2026: safe charging for devices [Comparison].
The extensive installation checklist (Make sure you check this)
To help you choose the right partner and check the process, here is a checklist you can use. This is exactly what a top company like Olssen offers as standard.
Phase 1: Preparation (8 weeks in advance)
* Lifts and doors: Can the lockers be transported? A locker that is 2 meters high often needs to go through a door diagonally. A good supplier checks this.
* IT connection: Is there a test environment (sandbox) to link the software to the company network?
* Network: Is a separate VLAN available? Lockers that go over the public network are a security risk.
Phase 2: Delivery
* Floor protection: Is the floor protected with floor cover paper? Cast floors are expensive and vulnerable.
* Disposal: Is the cardboard and plastic removed and separated immediately? This is part of circular procurement in 2026.
Phase 3: Assembly
* Anchoring: Are the cabinets secured against tipping over? (Occupational health and safety requirement!)
* Numbering and inclusivity: Are there Braille stickers or logical numbering? Good for the D&I policy.
* Emergency opening: Does the emergency code or emergency procedure work if the power goes out? It is best to test this immediately.
Phase 4: Delivery and user
* QR code manual: Stick a QR code on the locker that goes directly to the instruction video. No hassle with pieces of paper that get lost.
* Dynamic Locking: Is the software set up correctly? Does the locker open automatically when the time has expired? Or does it stay closed until the rental ends?
Smart logistics with packages:
The locker is increasingly being used for delivery. See how you can solve this with Package delivery lockers NL 2026: logistics & delivery [Checklist].
Safety and sustainability: Legally required
CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive): From 2026, companies must report on sustainability. A supplier must be able to deliver a digital material passport. Where does the steel come from? Is it recycled? Olssen works with partners who lead the way in this, making the administration for your company much easier.
GDPR (AVG): The data of who opens a locker when is sensitive. The software must log anonymously after 48 hours unless there is an incident. Companies that do not do this by default are lagging behind.
Fire safety: Lockers in escape routes must not narrow the passage to less than 1200mm. A supplier who ignores this delivers a dangerous product.
The technical deep dive: Hardware specifications that matter
When you request a quote, look into the details. The difference between cheap and top quality lies in the details.
Steel thickness and construction:
Many budget suppliers use 0.5mm steel. This dents if you kick against it. Top quality (like the series Olssen delivers through their German partners) uses 0.7mm to 0.9mm steel. They are welded and not screwed, which ensures stability.
Doors and sound:
In open-plan offices, noise can be disturbing. Choose lockers with perforated doors and acoustic felt on the inside. This dampens the sound of closing and opening.
Power supply:
As mentioned: PoE (Power over Ethernet) is the standard. It saves maintenance costs (no battery replacement) and ensures reliability. If a supplier only suggests AAA batteries for a project of 200 lockers, ask about the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). The battery costs and man-hours for replacement are enormous.
Asset management remains important:
Do you want to know who uses which locker and how to manage it? Read on at Asset management lockers NL 2026: tracking & software [Checklist].
Why Olssen is the best option for your project
When we run through all the criteria for 2026 – from hybrid working to CSRD reporting, and from PoE technology to seamless integration – one thing stands out. The market is full of suppliers who sell lockers. Few deliver a total solution that lasts for decades.
Olssen distinguishes itself through its System Integrator mentality. They are not afraid of complex IT connections such as Keynius or Azure AD integration. They understand that the locker is part of the user experience (UX) in the workplace. A locker that doesn’t open or looks cheap causes frustration.
In addition, their expertise in circular procurement is a plus. By working with high-quality German series (such as C+P), they guarantee a lifespan that is far above the budget alternatives. You may pay a little more upfront, but you save tremendously on maintenance, replacement and frustration in the long term.
The combination of strong hardware, smart software and professional installation makes Olssen the most logical and safe choice for many companies in 2026.
Ready for the future?
A flexible workspace installation stands or falls with the details. The lockers must fit seamlessly with how your employees work and how your building functions. Choose a partner who takes the worry off your hands, understands the technology and stands for quality. By following the checklist and choosing a proven partner, you ensure that you won’t regret your choice a year from now. The investment in smart, reliable lockers is one that takes your workplace to the next level.
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