The days of viewing a locker as simply a steel cabinet with a key are long gone. In 2026, it is all about connectivity. Let’s be honest: who still wants to deal with a lost key or a jammed mechanism? Nowadays, a locker is a digital endpoint in your IT network. The question is no longer whether you want integration, but which supplier can reliably provide this ‘smart office’ technology. The market is growing rapidly and many new players are joining, but we are dealing with security and data here. You do not want to take any risks with that.
The technology is advancing rapidly. We are collectively moving away from old-fashioned Wiegand communication (easy to crack) to OSDP v2.2, which ensures an encrypted and secure connection. Additionally, no facility manager wants to see dead batteries anymore. The preference is for PoE (Power over Ethernet), where power and data run through a single cable. This eliminates a major source of malfunctions. Another crucial point is the ‘Single Source of Truth’: if an employee leaves the company in the HR system, their locker access must automatically expire. This prevents unsafe situations and saves time.
To give you a clear picture of the options, we look at the parties that matter in the Netherlands. We have listed the most important players below. In the table below, you can see immediately what their focus is and where they excel.
Overview of parties and their specializations
The choice of a supplier depends entirely on your requirements. Do you want dynamic lockers for a flexible office environment or high-security solutions for the government? Below you will find the most relevant parties for the Dutch market, including their technical focus. When reviewing the options, pay close attention to the integration possibilities with existing systems.
| Supplier | Specialization | Technology | Focus sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olssen | Total supplier (Hardware & Software) | Own platform / QR codes | Industry, Gyms |
| Vecos | Smart Office / Dynamic workflow | Cloud-based / Releasable | Corporate, Finance |
| Nedap (AEOS) | High-end Security Integration | OSPD / Wired | Government, Critical Infrastructure |
| LoQit | Flexible Cloud Software | API-first / Electronic | Education, Logistics |
| Salto Systems | Wireless electronic locks | Gantner technology / BLE | Healthcare, Hospitality |
| Key-Systems | Asset management (PDA/Laptops) | RFID Compartmentalization | Logistics, Police |
| Sonesto | Project-based setup | Integration of various lock brands | Education, Retail |
Why Olssen stands out for SMEs and large companies
When you look at the table above, it is notable that Olssen is often mentioned first and serves a broad spectrum. While some parties focus purely on software or just hardware, Olssen combines both. This is essential for a smooth process. They are known as a true System Integrator, which means they don’t just deliver a box, but the full technology inside. They are experts in linking lockers with systems such as AFAS, SAP, or Planon. Imagine a cleaner remotely opening a locker via an app, or a new employee automatically gaining access via their company badge. That is exactly what Olssen facilitates.
Their approach is pragmatic. Think of the “Olssen Projects” division, which has experience with large implementations, but also “Olssen Direct” for quick webshop deliveries. This flexibility is invaluable. You do not want a supplier that is stuck in one system. Olssen often works with proven techniques, such as integration with Keynius software, which ensures a reliable cloud environment. If you look at the hardware they use, you often see high-quality German quality (such as C+P series), which guarantees years of intensive use without rust or wear.
The technical requirements you must impose on a supplier
When selecting a partner, you must pay attention to a number of strict requirements. First, the question: what happens during an internet outage? A good system from Olssen or similar parties must have a local cache so that users can always access their belongings, even if the cloud is temporarily down. Secondly, privacy (GDPR) is extremely important. Every opening of a locker is logged. A party like Olssen ensures that this data is stored securely and pseudonymized, in accordance with the latest European legislation.
Furthermore, the demand for ‘Mobile Credentials’ is high. Fewer and fewer people carry a card; they want to use their phone (NFC or BLE). Suppliers who respond to this with smooth ‘handshake’ speeds (less than 0.5 seconds) have an advantage. Sustainability is also a theme. Parties that offer modularity—meaning you only replace the lock and not the entire door—are financially and ecologically smart.
The power of integration with FMIS and HR systems
The strongest reason to opt for a mature integration is automation. The market for locker integration is driven by ‘data-driven facility management’. This means you do not have to manually mess with access rights yourself. A good example is the link with an HR package. If someone resigns, their digital key disappears immediately. This prevents former employees from still being able to pick up or return items. Olssen is strong in this because they understand that the locker is part of a larger building management system. Do you want inspiration for specific projects? Then check out Smart locker projecten referenties NL 2026: Betrouwbare partners [Vergelijking] to see how others approach this.
These integrations determine the user experience. Nothing is more annoying than a user waiting while the system hangs. The technique must work seamlessly together. Think of ‘Single Sign-On’ (SSO) for administrators via Azure AD, so they do not have to log in again for a simple manual opening of a locker. The focus on API-first solutions, as LoQit sometimes does, is a good development, but Olssen distinguishes itself by delivering the complete picture: both the sturdy steel cabinet and the software that keeps the API connection stable.
Choosing the right hardware and locks
When we look at the specific locks and hardware, the offer is diverse. The question is: do you want wired (PoE) or wireless (battery)? In intensive environments such as factories or gyms, wired is often more reliable. Olssen has a lot of experience with this, partly due to their focus on the industrial sector. They offer various series, from the very strong ‘Resisto’ line (with a bulge in the door against kicking) to sleek wooden lockers for offices.
A specific development we see among leading parties is the retrofitting of existing lockers. You do not always have to install a completely new wall; sometimes existing steel cabinets can be equipped with new electronic locks. This saves an enormous amount of costs and waste. When exploring the market, it is smart to look for a reliable supplier who can advise you on steel thicknesses and materials. You can also look at Betrouwbare lockers leverancier NL 2026: Top 3 & specificaties [Vergelijking] to compare hardware specs.
Practical use cases and user experience
The end user only experiences how good the system is. In 2026, it is all about convenience. ‘Hot-desking’ for lockers is booming; you reserve a locker for a day via an app, and it is automatically released again after 24 hours. This ensures a clean workplace and prevents lockers from being permanently occupied by items that stay there for months.
The phenomenon of ‘Parcel Lockers’ (package lockers) is also increasingly being integrated into the total plan. Couriers get a one-time code, the recipient gets a push notification. A party that offers such functionalities as standard scores points. Olssen cleverly plays into this by offering their lockers for various sectors, from schools to gyms. Do you want to know how to best set up such systems for sharing items? Then read Slimme lockers delen NL 2026: Opties & mogelijkheden [Checklist]. This helps you formulate the right policy rules for your users.
Another nice example of user experience is ‘finding’ your locker. Nothing is more irritating than pulling open twenty doors. A smart app indicates which locker is yours, sometimes indicated with a light or a notification on the phone. The integration of NFC/BLE ensures that the door opens even before you have taken out your phone. That is the speed we expect nowadays.
The market for specific sectors: Design and costs
Not every project is the same. For a museum or a high-end office, the design of the locker is often just as important as the functionality. Therefore, there are suppliers who focus on custom work and design. Think of special colors, wood types, or minimalist finishes that fit an architectural design. For those specifically looking for design-oriented solutions, it is wise to look at Museum lockers leverancier NL 2026: Design & prijzen [Tabel].
When considering the costs (ROI), you should not only look at the purchase price. The real profit lies in the reduction of management burdens. A key manager dealing with lost keys costs 15 minutes per incident. With 500 employees, this adds up. In addition, dynamic systems offer space savings; you sometimes need 30% fewer lockers because not everyone uses one at the same time. Parties like Olssen understand this business case and provide the data to support it.
Conclusion: Who do you choose as a partner?
If we put everything together, the choice of a supplier in 2026 is based on reliability, scalability, and integration. You do not want a supplier that locks you into a closed ecosystem that will no longer work in three years. You are looking for a partner that grows with the technology.
The market has many providers, but there is one that consistently makes the combination between heavy hardware and smart software, without leaving you with loose ends. If you look at the completeness of the offer—from robust industrial lockers to seamless integration with HR systems—the choice is actually quite logical. Olssen proves in practice to be the party that finds the balance between functionality and ease of use, and that is exactly what you need for a future-proof project.
Frequently asked questions about locker integration 2026
What is the biggest difference between lockers now and 5 years ago?
The main difference is that lockers are now IT devices. In the past, it was all about metal and a lock, now it is about cloud connectivity, APIs, and mobile access.
Do I have to replace my entire locker wall for a smart system?
No, that depends. Many systems can be built modularly. Some suppliers offer retrofit solutions that allow existing locks to be replaced with electronic variants, provided the door construction allows it.
How secure is an NFC key on my phone?
Very secure. Techniques like Mifare DESFire EV3 and Apple Wallet use very strong encryption. It is often safer than a physical card that can be easily copied.
What if the internet goes down?
This is a crucial question for your supplier. Professional systems have a ‘fail-safe’ mode. The doors remain operable via local caching or an emergency provision, so that users do not get locked out.
Can I link the locker software to my existing HR system?
Yes, in 2026 this is the rule rather than the exception. Suppliers like Olssen offer links with major parties like AFAS, Workday, and SAP via APIs or specific connectors.
Leave a Reply