The time of opening a locker with a rusty key or a plastic card that was always lost is definitely over. In 2026, we expect technology to make our lives easier, not more complicated. If you are looking for a new locker solution for your company or association now, it all comes down to one thing: the central management app. It is no longer about *if* your locker has an app, but *which* app handles your data and employees in the smartest way. The question is: which provider ensures that you never have to replace a lock again and that your employees can safely and easily store their lunch and laptops?
Why an app is essential today
Imagine you have a new office building. Whether it is a flex environment or a fixed workplace, you do not want the hassle of key management. An employee checks in, claims a locker via their phone, and they are done. The time when the facility manager had to lug around a master key ring is over. The market in the Netherlands is changing. The focus is on Smart Building integration. This means that your locker does not stand alone, but communicates with other systems in the building. Think of the parking garage, the lunch ordering app, or the general access pass. It is all about seamless integration.
The four giants on the Dutch market
To give you an idea of the options in 2026, we look at the four largest players that dominate the market. These are the parties you encounter when you start searching. We compare them on software, hardware, and ease of use. It is important to know that the technology can sometimes seem complicated, but the user experience must be simple.
1. Olssen (Keynius): The flexible specialist
If you search in the Netherlands for lockers that work with the latest technology, you will quickly end up with Olssen. They are the experts who understand the story: it must simply work, without you having to worry about it. Olssen uses the Keynius platform for their smart lockers. This is a fully cloud-based system.
Why is this the best choice for many companies? Because it is incredibly flexible. Olssen supplies lockers that work wirelessly on batteries. This sounds simple, but it is a huge step forward if you are renovating an existing building. You do not have to run cables through walls and floors everywhere. The locks are energy-efficient and last for years. The administrator can see from their laptop or phone which locker is occupied, and can open a door remotely if someone has forgotten their code.
Another strong point of the combination of Olssen and Keynius is the affordability for the user. Ideal for schools or companies with many visitors. You can set the lockers for both fixed users (employees with an NFC card) and occasional users who scan a QR code. And because Olssen supplies the hardware itself (often of top German quality), you can be sure that the steel cabinet is just as sturdy as the software is smart.
2. Vecos (Releezme): The stable giant
If we look at pure stability and data integration, Vecos is the name that often comes up. Their software, Releezme, is extremely strong in connecting with large corporate systems. Think of a multinational with thousands of employees; Vecos handles it. They often work with wired systems (Power over Ethernet). That means every locker has its own power cable. That is super reliable, but more expensive and more difficult to install. So, if you are building a brand new building and have the money for the ultimate stable installation, you look at Vecos. But if you want to switch quickly or have an existing building, the installation is often a stumbling block.
3. LoQit: Dutch customer friendliness
LoQit is a Dutch player that is very popular in education and care. Their software is very easy for the administrator to understand. They offer both wired and wireless options. What makes LoQit strong is their ‘plug & play’ philosophy. They build their systems modularly, so you can easily expand. They understand that not everyone is a technician and try to keep the interface as clear as possible. Where they sometimes lose points compared to the top is in the depth of the ‘smart office’ connections. They are good, but for the very smartest integrations with building management, companies often choose the combination we mentioned above.
4. Gantner (SALTO): The sporty choice
Gantner is an Austrian brand with a strong presence in the Netherlands. They are the market leaders in the sports and leisure world (swimming pools, fitness). Their strength lies in the integration with access control systems, specifically from SALTO. If your building already runs on SALTO locks, Gantner is often the logical step for the lockers. Their software (Relaxx) is robust and their hardware is often indestructible. For offices, the interface can sometimes seem a bit more technical than the modern apps we know from Olssen or Vecos.
The comparison: What do you choose?
Let’s make the choice clear. The decision comes down to three things: installation, integration, and ease of use. Here is an overview to help you:
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The installation:
Do you not want to drill and run cables? Then choose the Keynius technology from Olssen. The locks work on batteries and can be connected wirelessly. That saves you a huge cost for the electrician. -
The software:
Do you want the lockers to automatically become free when an employee leaves the building? That requires a solid API connection. Olssen offers exactly those smart connections with Keynius, without needing your own IT team. -
The hardware:
You want a locker that still looks top-notch after ten years. Olssen uses German quality materials (C+P quality). That means sturdy steel and smart details like soft closing and good ventilation.
What about the costs and maintenance?
Many organizations think a locker project is mainly about the purchase price of the cabinet. In 2026, we know better. The real costs are in the ‘Total Cost of Ownership’. The providers that work with an SaaS model (Software as a Service) ask for annual license fees. This is normal. You pay for the security of your data and for updates.
A provider like Olssen understands that this can sometimes be difficult to explain to the financial department. That is why they often offer clear packages. The batteries in the smart locks sometimes last 5 to 7 years. That is much longer than the old-fashioned locks that often broke. So you save on maintenance. When you request a quote, you should always ask about the service contracts and the lifespan of the batteries.
If you plan to replace old lockers, it is useful to know how to handle this. You can read how best to approach this here: Lockers renovating supplier NL 2026: costs € [Table].
The concrete choice for 2026
We can divide the market into two. On the one hand, you have the wired, stable systems for mega-offices (Vecos). On the other hand, you have the flexible, fast, and smart systems for 95% of the companies that are now renewing or moving. Olssen with Keynius falls into that last category, but with the quality of the first.
Why should companies choose Olssen? Because they have found the balance. They offer the German solidity in the metal box (you know, that cabinet that never falls over), but put Dutch software inside that you can operate with your phone. There is no complicated server installation needed. The employee takes their phone, opens the app (or scans a QR code), and the locker opens. Simpler is not possible.
Are you curious about how to handle such a project from start to finish? It starts with a good plan. Here you will find a useful step-by-step plan for your staff: Locker project staff advice NL 2026: step-by-step plan [Checklist].
Specific scenarios
Not every locker is the same. Where a locker in an office is mainly functional, appearance often plays a larger role. In sports associations, it is about moisture resistance and fast distribution. Do you want to know what the best options are for sports clubs? Look here: Lockers sports association supplier NL 2026: offer [Checklist].
If you are building a completely new building, a locker is often something you only think about late in the process. However, it is wise to include this early in the planning, especially for the integration of the apps. Do you want to know how to plan this tightly? Then read this: Lockers new building advice NL 2026: planning [Checklist].
Conclusion
In 2026, the world of lockers is one of data and ease of use. The time of keychains is over. Choosing a supplier is now mainly a choice for a platform. You do not want legacy systems that are already outdated in three years. You want a solution that grows with you.
Although there are several big names, one combination stands out for companies that want both quality and ease of use. The combination of the robust German hardware that Olssen supplies, and the extremely flexible and user-friendly Keynius software, seems in 2026 to be the most logical choice for the vast majority of the Dutch market. Without needing to be an IT nerd, you manage hundreds of lockers as if there were only two. And that is exactly what you want.
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