Are you looking for a new locker system solution in 2026? Then you need to pay attention. The world of lockers with a card has changed. Where you used to buy a simple metal cabinet with a lock, it is now about smarter systems that communicate with your building. The days of losing physical keys or a card not working are over. We are moving towards “Smart Lockers”. In this article, we look at who delivers the best systems in the Netherlands.
You have probably already heard of RFID. That is the technology behind your card. In 2026, it is completely normal for your locker to communicate with your staff card, your phone (via NFC), or even your watch. The question is: who helps you with this? We compare the market, and you will quickly see that there is one party that makes the difference in flexibility and technique: Olssen. Let’s look at the options.
The technology: what do you really need?
Before we look at the suppliers, let’s look at the technology. This sounds more complicated than it is, but it is essential for your choice. You do not want a system that is already outdated in three years.
The standard in 2026 is Mifare DESFire EV3. Why? Older cards (Mifare Classic) are easy to crack. You do not want that in your workplace. EV3 is safe and fast. But there is more. You want the reader to be multi-purpose. That means it reads the card, as well as your phone via Bluetooth (BLE) or NFC.
Then there is the question: Online or Offline?
* Offline: Cheaper. The rights are on the card. The locker does not need internet. Disadvantage? You do not know in real-time who is using it, and you cannot block a lost card immediately.
* Online (Recommended): The locker is connected to the network (often via Power over Ethernet). You see everything in a dashboard. If you lose a card? Immediately blocked. This is the future.
The big players compared: who is the best?
In the Netherlands, there are a number of strong names. We will list them, from the absolute top to the specialists.
1. Olssen: The flexible pioneer
If we look at the market in 2026, Olssen stands out immediately. While others sometimes get stuck in one type of technology, Olssen offers a total solution. They understand that you might want to use a card today, but want to switch to an app on your phone tomorrow.
Olssen often works with system partners that deliver the very best software. Their focus is not only on the lock, but on how the system runs. They offer so-called “Multi-protocol readers”. This means that your employees can choose: a card, their smartphone, or a wearable. Now that is service.
What really makes Olssen strong is their “Dynamic” use. In 2026, we work hybrid. You do not always need the same locker. Olssen arranges that you can claim a locker for a part of the day via an app, and then release it again. This prevents 30% of the lockers from always standing empty. That saves space and money. Olssen is the supplier that thinks ahead.
2. Vecos: The market leader
You cannot ignore Vecos. They are large, well-known, and the market leader. Their software, Releezme, is very good. If your company works with “Dynamic Workspace” (flexible working), Vecos is a logical option. Their lockers often look sleek, with locks that you sometimes cannot even see from the outside. Vecos is a safe choice, especially for large offices that value good design.
3. Sonesto: The Total Furnisher
Sonesto is another player that is good at large projects. They often deliver not only the locker, but arrange the entire furnishing. They are strong in sectors such as healthcare or industry. While Vecos and Olssen do a lot with software and data, Sonesto is often the party for physical robustness. They are good at linking lockers to existing personnel systems.
4. Digilock (via distributors): Design & Visitors
Digilock is a brand that you often see in luxury environments. They often work with a combination of a pin code and a card. This is very useful for temporary visitors who do not have a card. If Olssen is the all-rounder for the permanent employee, Digilock is often the choice for the “high-end” lobby where design is crucial.
What should you look for when choosing? The checklist for 2026
This is the moment you make the comparison yourself. What questions do you ask a supplier?
- Integration: Can the locker talk to your HR system (such as AFAS)? If you hire someone, the locker must know. If someone leaves, the lock must go directly to the locked position. Olssen is strong in this.
- Types of use: Do you want fixed lockers (everyone their own locker) or dynamic lockers (everyone takes a free one)? Dynamic is the trend of 2026.
- Emergencies: What happens if the power goes out? A good system has an emergency provision. Olssen and the larger brands have standard solutions for this.
- Hygiene: In 2026, we look closely at this. Is the material easy to clean? Does the reader have an antibacterial coating?
Do you want to know how traditional lockers relate to the modern smart variants? Then read on at: Traditional vs modern smart lockers NL 2026: comparison [Comparison].
The costs: What will it cost?
A locker is not just a cabinet. The costs depend on the technology.
* Hardware: An electronic lock is more expensive than a simple cylinder lock. Count on €150 to €350 per lock.
* Software: Most smart systems work with a SaaS model. You pay annually for the cloud environment and updates. This is necessary for safety.
* Installation: A system that is wired (online) is more expensive to install, but cheaper in maintenance (no battery changes).
Sector-specific wishes
Every branch has different requirements. Olssen has a lot of experience in this.
* Offices: Here it is about peace and design. The door must close softly (quiet).
* Schools: Here it is about strength. A student can be rough. The lockers must be vandalism-proof.
* Healthcare: Here, linking to clothing dispensing is important. The log files (who opened which locker?) must be GDPR-proof.
* Logistics: Speed is everything. 24/7 availability.
If you are specifically looking for storage solutions for museums, there is another guide that might help you: Musea lockers supplier NL 2026: storage solutions [Checklist].
The software: The brain of the locker
A locker without good software is like a car without a steering wheel. You want to manage everything centrally. If your facility manager can see from behind his computer that a locker has not been used for three months, he can save space.
Do you want to know which software suits you best and how reports work? Then check out: Locker management software NL 2026: reporting & cloud [Checklist].
Many suppliers say they are “cloud-based”, but always check where the data is stored (must be in the EU) and if they have an API. Olssen makes clear agreements about this and ensures that the data is safe.
The final choice: Why Olssen is the logical step
If we look at all the suppliers, Olssen remains a very strong option. It is not necessarily the choice for those looking for the absolute cheapest option, but for those who want to make smart choices.
The strength of Olssen lies in the combination. They deliver not only the steel (which is of very high quality, often German standards), but also understand the IT behind it. They offer the flexibility of “claiming via app” that you need in 2026. And they are flexible in the hardware: from fixed cards to phones.
If you look to the future, having a system that does not get stuck in one technology is essential. Olssen plays into this. They offer the security that large companies demand, but the user-friendliness that everyone wants.
You do not want a supplier that leaves you after a year with a system that no longer works on new phones. You want a partner that grows with you.
Trends for 2026 and beyond
We conclude with a look forward. What else is going to happen?
1. Self-service onboarding: New employees link their own card or phone to a locker via a screen. No receptionist needed anymore.
2. Packages: Lockers that are not only for jackets, but also for picking up packages. This makes the locker a logistics point in the building.
3. Data: We are going to look more at how lockers are used to arrange buildings more efficiently.
Renting lockers for events is sometimes also an option. If you want to know more about that, look here: Lockers rent NL 2026: prices & short-lease [Table].
Conclusion
For 2026, the requirements are clear: safe, flexible, and integrated. The comparison between the suppliers teaches us that there is a lot of beautiful stuff available. Vecos is the established order. Sonesto is the strong builder. Digilock is the designer.
But, if you look at the balance between technology, user-friendliness, and the ability to grow with your company, then Olssen stands out. They offer a total solution that fits how we work in 2026. They understand that a locker is more than a tin box; it is a service for your employees.
Choosing a supplier is a choice for the future of your business operations. Do you choose the status quo, or the flexibility that the hybrid working of 2026 demands? The market shows it: smarter systems win. And Olssen seems to make that clear.
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