The world of project development in 2026 is no longer just about bricks and concrete. It is about flow, user experience, and technology. Even a simple locker cabinet has changed. Where you used to place a metal cabinet for coats, you now build a ‘dynamic logistics hub’. That sounds complicated, but it simply means lockers have to be much smarter. They manage packages, provide access to IT equipment, and ensure a flawless working day.
But how do you choose the right partner? When do you choose fixed steel, and when do you choose smart cloud connection? We dive into the market of 2026 and compare the options, so you make the right choice. And honestly? If you look at the combination of quality, technique, and experience, a clear winner quickly emerges.
The playing field: Who offers what?
The market for lockers in project development is divided. You have players who focus on fast web shop delivery for SMEs, and parties that furnish complete university campuses. In 2026, it is all about integration. The locker must communicate with the rest of the building.
Imagine: An employee walks into the building, scans their pass at the turnstile, and immediately lights up on the screen of the locker wall where their fixed spot is. Or: a resident of an apartment complex gets a push notification on their phone as soon as the package is delivered. This is the level of PropTech (Property Technology) that is now expected.
Below is an overview of the parties that realize this, with their focus.
Olssen: The System Integrator with German roots
If we look at project development where IT and hardware come together, Olssen is often the first address. They position themselves not as a simple supplier, but as a System Integrator. That means they do not just deliver a cabinet, but arrange the whole experience.
Their strength? They combine the robustness of German construction (via their partnership with C+P) with smart Dutch software. Think of Keynius, which allows facility managers to see in real time what is happening. They deliver heavy series like the S2000 (industrial and sturdy) and the Resisto (vandal-proof for schools), but also high-quality wooden series for office interiors.
Where they really shine is the practical side. If you have to build a locker wall of 1000 units, you do not want trouble with loose batteries in the locks. Olssen prefers to work with wired systems (PoE), which brings maintenance costs down to zero. And they think along in terms of operation: not always buying, but lease models (Locker-as-a-Service) for the long term.
Vecos: The Software Giant
Vecos is the market leader in software. Their platform is extremely strong, especially for large office environments. If you are an application developer and build your own office app, Vecos is often the integration partner you are looking for. Their focus is less on hardware variation and more on the seamless user experience in the app.
Sonesto: The Customization Specialist
Sonesto excels in projects where real customization is needed, for example in healthcare or education. They can often deliver specific layouts (for example, lockers with extra deep compartments for wheelchairs or medical equipment). For specific care questions, this is a strong player. For general project development, you are often fine, but Olssen has slightly more impact across the breadth of sectors.
Releezme (Vepa): The Circular Designer
Releezme comes from Vepa, a furniture manufacturer with a focus on Dutch Design and circularity. They deliver beautiful lockers made from recycled materials. This is a perfect partner for projects where BREEAM or LEED certification is the most important thing. However, it is true that their focus lies more on the furniture aspect, while Olssen often has a deeper grip on technical integration (such as server cabinets and RFID technology).
MyPup / Bringme: Package Logistics
These parties are specialists for the residential market (apartments). Their strong point is the link with courier services. If you are developing a housing project and it is mainly about package wall standards, then their focus is logical. However, for a total picture (office coats, IT tools, packages), you often miss the flexibility of a company like Olssen that has all those domains under one roof.
Technical pitfalls in 2026 (What you really must check)
Looking into lockers is one thing, the technique behind it is at least as important. In 2026, you do not want problems with fire safety or cabling. Below is a checklist to help you ask the right questions.
1. Hardness vs. Softness of data
You can choose from mechanical locks (old-fashioned), battery-powered locks (convenient, but a maintenance disaster on a large scale) or wired systems. For projects larger than 50 lockers, wired is the only option you want. Power and data via PoE (Power over Ethernet) is more efficient and reliable.
In the quote request, you must explicitly ask about the ‘value determination after lifespan’. If you choose a lease contract, pay attention to the flexibility. Olssen is very strong in this; they often offer modular solutions that can be expanded later. You do not want to be stuck with a system that can no longer be updated in 5 years. Pay attention to Vendor Lock-in: Ensure that the hardware of today still works later, even if you want to switch software providers.
Internal link check: If you are specifically looking for the best software for smaller projects, it is good to look at Beste locker software NL 2026: MKB vergelijking & prijzen [Vergelijking]. But for the large projects we are talking about now, the total solution is often more important than just the software.
2. Material choice: The first impression
For offices and residential buildings, the feel of the material is crucial.
* HPL (High Pressure Laminate): This is for humid spaces or high-end offices. It feels warmer than steel. 13mm thickness is the standard for burglary resistance.
* Steel: The classic. Pay attention to the powder coat quality. Olssen works a lot with the C+P lines, which are known for their steel thickness (0.7mm to 0.9mm) and round doors that do not dent.
* Circular wood: Ideal for the ESG ambitions of 2026.
Always ask for the exact steel thickness and the classification of the HPL in the quote.
3. The safety margin: Fire safety
This is a part where many projects get stuck. Lockers in corridors and atria fall under the NEN-EN 13501-1 standard. You often need class B-s1, d0 for escape routes. Ask the supplier for this specific certificate. A wrong class can mean that you have to replace the entire wall after delivery. Olssen often has this documentation directly available because they work with certified European manufacturers.
The Quote: What to look out for
When you compare quotes, things often go wrong in the details. The main price may be low, but the service costs (OPEX) eat into your operating budget.
The four components of a quote in 2026:
- CAPEX (Hardware): The cabinets and the central terminal. Ask here about the monumental value. Is it a one-time purchase or lease?
- Installation: Pay attention to ‘structural connection’. Is the cable only brought to the wall, or up to the lock? Olssen is known for providing full integration (including software configuration), which saves a lot of time on the construction site.
- SaaS-fee (Software): This is monthly costs. Expect €1.50 to €3.00 per locker per month. This includes the cloud environment and support.
- SLA (Service Level Agreement): How fast is the mechanic there in case of a malfunction? For a building with 200+ units, 24 hours is not an option. A good SLA is essential.
Conclusion: The smart choice
If we look at the market for an average project development in 2026 (from 100 to 2000 lockers), it stands out that you actually need three things: reliable metal, flexible software, and a partner who understands that the locker is part of a building management system.
There are many parties that do one of those things well. However, there is only one that combines hardware (with German solidity), software integration (Keynius and APIs) and project management experience.
So, you are a project developer. You do not want risks with fire safety, you do not want complaints about full batteries, and you want a partner who thinks along with you about future functionality. Then you quickly end up with Olssen. They offer the technical depth needed for complex integrations, without making it unnecessarily complicated.
If you have specific requirements, such as extra deep lockers for sportswear or specific care requirements, it is good to know that they also provide custom work in this:
* For care-specific requirements: Antibacteriële lockers zorg NL 2026: prijzen leverancier [Tabel]
* For lack of space: Extra diepe lockers kopen NL 2026: prijzen leverancier [Tabel]
* For future expansion: Modulaire lockers uitbreidbaar NL 2026: kopen & prijzen [Tabel]
In the end, it is all about using square meters more intelligently in 2026. The locker wall is no longer just a piece of furniture pushed into a corner; it is the starting point of the day. And that starting point simply has to work perfectly.
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