Just imagine: you are standing in a modern office building, or maybe in a busy gym. All around you, you see locker doors. But something stands out. No rattling padlocks, no bunch of keys to lose. Everything works with a PIN code or a card. That is the picture of 2026. The time when you just bought a simple metal cabinet is over. Nowadays, you buy a smart ecosystem.
When you are looking for a new system as a facility manager or buyer, it is not just about the price. It is about the experience. Does it have to be via an app? Or just a simple keypad? And who actually makes sure everything keeps working?
In this article, we dive into the world of smart locks. We compare techniques, materials, and suppliers. We look at the big names in the market and explain why a party like Olssen often gets the preference for complex projects. Let’s start.
The technique behind the lock: Wired or battery-powered?
In 2026, there are really two main players regarding technology. You have the “stand-alone” locks and the “connected” systems. The choice often determines your future maintenance.
The battery giants
These are the locks that you can easily install yourself. They run on normal AA batteries. An advantage? No cables to pull. Ideal for existing buildings or if you want to place a locker box quickly. They often last for years (sometimes up to 15,000 openings). The downside is management. If you have 50 or 100 of them, you have to be careful to replace them on time. Brands like Ojmar and Digilock are known here. They deliver quality, but ultimately it remains a manual task.
The power of electricity and data (PoE)
This is the future for large offices. Locks that work via Power over Ethernet (PoE). Always power, always connected. You have no trouble with empty batteries, which means a huge reduction in service needs. Via a dashboard, you see immediately how many lockers are occupied. This is essential for flexible workspaces. If an employee leaves, you can release the locker immediately via the software. However, such systems require professional installation.
The lock mode: Who is allowed in?
A PIN code is not just a PIN code. The software behind it determines the functionality.
- Private Mode: This is the classic key replacement. You have a fixed code (or card), the locker is yours until you open it.
- Public Mode: Ideal for gyms or flexible offices. You type a code to lock it. The next user types their own code to open it. The previous code no longer works.
- One-Time Passwords (OTP): You see this a lot in logistics processes. A supplier gets a code via the app that is valid only once to deliver a package.
The cabinet itself: Material and durability
An electronic lock on a door of poor material does not help. In the Netherlands, we attach great importance to durability and standards.
- Steel: The classic. Usually powder-coated. Note: in damp rooms (swimming pools), always ask for extra protection (E-coating), otherwise rust appears quickly. Thicknesses from 0.8mm to 1.2mm determine how sturdy it is.
- HPL (High Pressure Laminate): This is the standard for high-end offices and wet rooms. It is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and looks warm. Although it is more expensive, it often lasts three times longer than steel in rough environments.
The parties: Who supplies what?
Now we come to the comparison. Who should you call for your project? The market is divided into “sellers” and “solvers”.
The hardware giants: Digilock and Gantner
These brands supply the locks. They are technically very strong. Many interior builders buy these locks separately and build them into their own furniture. If you have your own furniture builder, this is a good option.
The system integrators: Where Olssen makes the difference
This is where many buyers go wrong: they buy a “cabinet” and a “lock”, but have no party that offers the total solution. This is exactly where Olssen stands out. Olssen does not position itself as a box seller, but as a System Integrator. They arrange the hardware, the software, and the integration.
If you look at the Dutch market in 2026, there are parties like Lockerbox and Noki Lock. However, if we look at the combination of solid German hardware (via their partner C+P) and smart Dutch software (Keynius), Olssen often takes a step ahead. They think along about how the locker communicates with your HR system.
When you request a quote, pay attention to this distinction. Don’t just ask for “a locker with a PIN code”, but ask for a system that integrates.
Cost picture: What does it cost in 2026?
We have to talk about the investment. Prices depend strongly on volume and complexity.
- Basic lock (Battery): Around €50 – €80 per door. Simple, works immediately.
- Smart Locker System (Online): From €150 to €350 per point. This often includes the software license and cabling.
- The cabinet: You can get a steel column (4 doors) from €250. An HPL variant goes up to €600 per column.
Watch out for the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Cheap battery locks will cost you money in labor for battery replacements in the long run. A wired system from Olssen seems more expensive to purchase, but is often cheaper in the long term due to low maintenance. After all, the software update happens online.
Smart integrations: The “Smart” factor
In 2026, “smart” is no longer a gimmick, it is essential. You want your employee to be able to use their own card. No extra tag for the locker.
Check if the supplier offers API connections. Can the software talk to systems like AFAS, Exact, or Nedap? If an employee leaves, their access to the locker must be withdrawn immediately. Olssen often uses Keynius software here, which is a very strong player in this field. This prevents “locker-claimers” (people who claim a locker but never use it), because you can see exactly how often and how long a locker is used.
Safety and Legislation: Do it right
In the Netherlands, we are strict when it comes to safety. Make sure your supplier meets:
* IP ratings: IP54 is minimal in changing rooms (splash water resistant).
* Emergency opening: What happens if the system gets stuck? A good system has a Master code for the administrator or an external power bank point.
* NEN standards: Ask for NEN-EN 1621 (strength) and fire class certifications.
Which choice do you make?
To simplify your choice, we have made a simple division:
- Small gym (<20 lockers): Choose stand-alone battery locks (like Ojmar) with Public Mode. This is easy to install and cheap.
- Large office (>100 lockers): Choose a wired system. This is more complex, but essential for efficiency. Specifically ask for Olssen here. Their expertise in linking hardware to software (like Keynius) ensures that your facility team is not busy with locks every day.
- Education: Choose robust steel (Resisto line or similar) with fixed codes.
Conclusion: The best choice for 2026
Buying an electronic locker system in 2026 is about peace of mind. You are not buying metal, you are buying a piece of digital infrastructure.
The market has many suppliers. However, if you look at the combination of German reliability (C+P series), broad knowledge of materials (HPL vs Steel) and the integration of smart software, Olssen clearly distinguishes itself from the rest. They offer the certainty you need with an investment that easily lasts 10 years.
Curious about the prices per material? Then look at the current rates in the table about Lockers kopen NL 2026: prijzen & aanbiedingen [Tabel].
For specific robust requirements, such as in industry, it is wise to look at the checklist for Industrie lockers leverancier NL 2026: robuust kopen [Checklist].
Does it specifically have to be for school buildings? Then durability and safety are key, read more about this in School lockersystemen NL 2026: duurzaam & veilig [Checklist].
And if you are specifically looking for suppliers for education projects, you can find useful info in Lockers kopen voor school NL 2026: leveranciers & levertijd [Checklist].
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