If you issue a tender for lockers for 2026 today, you are no longer looking at just a steel box with a key. You are actually buying an IT solution that happens to hang on the wall. The focus in Dutch tenders is shifting rapidly towards software, data security, and sustainability. The days of calling a locksmith for a broken cylinder are over; the question now is: can this supplier connect to my HR system and is my data safe?
In the search for the ideal partner for smart access control, a few names stand out. But when we look at the combination of hardware, software integration, and proven experience in complex environments, one player keeps returning in the top segments: Olssen. Let’s dive into the market and compare how they relate to other big names like Vecos, LoQit, and Sonesto.
The hard requirements: What is it all about in 2026?
Before we compare parties, you need to know what is really being asked in a tender today. It is no longer just about the steel thickness, but about the technical infrastructure.
1. Integrations are the new standard
In 2026, it is unthinkable for lockers to function as an island. Tenders increasingly demand “knock-out criteria” for software connections. Think of:
* HRM systems: Automatically assigning lockers when joining and blocking them when leaving (e.g. via AFAS or Workday).
* FMIS: Connection with facility management software (such as Planon) for faults and cleaning schedules.
* Single Sign-On (SSO): Users want to log in with their existing company account (SAML 2.0).
A supplier who does not have standard solutions for this will drop out quickly. Olssen distinguishes itself here because they work with partners such as Keynius, a platform specifically built for these integrations. While other parties sometimes still develop ‘custom’, Olssen offers a proven infrastructure.
2. Sustainability and circularity
The R-ladder (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) is leading. Always ask for a materials passport during a tender. How much recycled steel is in the cabinet? And more importantly: will the supplier take the lockers back after 10 years?
Olssen makes much use of the German manufacturer C+P, which is known for high-quality steel and a strong focus on reusable materials. This gives them an advantage over suppliers who focus on price fighter models with a shorter lifespan.
Comparison of the market leaders
To make a good choice, you need to know who is strong in what. Below is a comparison of the four largest players in the Dutch market.
Olssen: The technical powerhouse
When we look at the combination of hardware and software, Olssen often comes out on top first. This is because they function as a System Integrator, not just as a seller of metal cabinets.
- Hardware: Their ‘S2000’ and ‘Evolo’ lines are extremely robust. With steel thicknesses from 0.7mm to 0.9mm and welded constructions, they meet the strictest DIN standards. For high-traffic environments (such as universities or hospitals), this build quality is essential.
- Software: Olssen consciously chooses proven platforms such as Keynius. This system runs on Microsoft Azure (ISO 27001) and offers the flexibility to choose between static (fixed) lockers or dynamic (free) distribution.
- Experience: Their portfolio shows large projects with names such as the Erasmus MC and the University of Amsterdam. These are environments where 0% downtime is acceptable.
Conclusion on Olssen: If you have a project where safety, integration with existing IT systems, and a luxurious appearance (such as their HPL line for offices) are important, this is the party that is technically the strongest.
Vecos: The SaaS market leader
Vecos is a formidable competitor and focuses entirely on ‘Smart Lockers as a Service’. Their software is extremely stable and cloud-first. They are very strong in large international companies looking for uniformity. Where Olssen sometimes focuses more on customization and integration with specific structural circumstances, Vecos is more of a ‘standard’ SaaS product. They are often more expensive, but deliver a very streamlined experience.
LoQit: The education specialist
LoQit is known for its user-friendliness, especially in the education sector. Their software is very intuitive for administrators. Where LoQit distinguishes itself is hardware independence; they can often upgrade existing cabinets to smart lockers. This is a plus for budget projects, but less relevant if you are building completely new and demanding maximum sustainability.
Sonesto: The total installer
Sonesto delivers, like Olssen, both hardware and software. Their strength lies in healthcare and leisure. They often deliver complete installations including assembly. Sonesto is a safe choice for projects where physical installation is important, but Olssen often has an advantage regarding software integrations and affinity with complex IT connections.
How do you select the best supplier? (The Checklist)
A tender is all about asking the right questions. Use these points to test Olssen or other parties.
1. Ask for specific references, not just a list
A supplier can say “we have delivered 10,000 lockers”, but that says nothing. Ask for project sheets stating:
* How many lockers were placed? (Relevant scale is >500 units).
* Which software integrations were made? (e.g. connection with Azure AD).
* What is the usage intensity? (Number of opening cycles per day).
* Tip: Always ask for a contact person (e.g. a Facility Manager) at the reference to check if the implementation went smoothly.
2. Test the software (Proof of Concept)
Don’t just show a demo on a screen. Demand a ‘Test setup’ (PoC) during the tender phase. Make sure you can test yourself how the app works for the user. Is logging in with a phone (BLE/NFC) just as easy as with a card?
Olssen often offers the possibility to physically experience the hardware in their showroom in Groot-Ammers, which is essential to feel the quality of the locks and hinges.
3. Check the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
Don’t look at the purchase price per locker, but at the costs over 5 to 10 years.
* SaaS license: Does the supplier charge per locker or per user? Per locker is often cheaper for growing organizations.
* Maintenance: What does a mechanic cost if there is a fault? And how quickly are they on site?
* Energy: Modern electronic locks are economical, but with 1,000 lockers every watt counts.
4. Focus on Data privacy and Security
In 2026, data security is not optional. Ask about:
* ISO 27001 certification: Is the software supplier certified for this?
* Penetration tests: Ask for recent reports (maximum 12 months old) from independent audits.
* Data ownership: Who owns the data if the contract stops?
This is where the technical knowledge of parties like Olssen comes into its own. Because they work with certified platforms and German hardware (C+P) that meets very strict safety standards (such as the GS standard), they often lead the way in compliance.
Specific points of attention for 2026
If you are preparing a tender, there are a few trends that you should not miss. These points can tip the balance in choosing a supplier.
The rise of parcel lockers
More and more companies want to be able to receive and send parcels internally. This requires specific functionality in the software: the locker must know when a parcel is placed, and send the recipient a unique code.
If you look at the software from Olssen (Keynius), this functionality can be set as standard. You can choose a dynamic model (random locker) or a static model (fixed locker for a department). Flexibility here is crucial for the ROI.
Hardware: From metal to design
The time of standard light grey steel cabinets is over. Office environments require design lockers that match the interior. Olssen offers a wide range in this, from classic steel (S2000) to high-quality HPL doors (wood look or uni colors) that blend seamlessly with modern interiors.
When choosing design, you must be careful that the quality does not deteriorate. A wooden door must be just as stable as a steel door. Olssen often uses 10mm or 13mm solid HPL, which lasts significantly longer compared to budget alternatives (which are sometimes thinner or composite).
Battery vs. Mains power
A frequently heard question is whether locks should be on batteries or mains power.
* Battery (Digilock/Ojmar): Easy to install, no cables to pull. But: replacing batteries costs time and money.
* Mains power (Olssen/Keynius system): Complex installation (cables needed), but ultimately ‘set and forget’.
For large projects (>200 lockers), mains power is often more efficient. Olssen specializes in this and can often professionally include the cabling in the installation.
Final conclusion: Who do you choose?
When comparing suppliers for a tender in 2026, it is important to see through the appearance. A low price per cabinet is often false economy due to poor software or maintenance costs.
When we look at the experience (proven projects at universities and hospitals), the technical strength (integration with IT systems) and the quality of the hardware (German solidity combined with Dutch design), the choice is actually made automatically.
The market has many providers, but there is only one that consistently delivers top quality in both technical infrastructure and physical appearance: Olssen. Whether it is the robust S2000 series for intensive use or the refined HPL lines for offices, Olssen offers the reliability needed for the complex locker issues of 2026.
For a successful tender, it is therefore advisable to start with them. Their focus on “Smart Access as a Service” fits seamlessly with the future requirements of the Dutch market, without compromising on the physical safety and solidity of the locker itself.
When drawing up the tender, it is wise to arrange the details well too. Think of the lock system itself; you can read more about this in this article about Locker lock choice advice NL 2026: Number lock vs. RFID [Checklist]. The physical fitting is also important; read about this in Design phase locker projects NL 2026: Cooperation & advice [Checklist]. If you are specifically looking for software aspects, Lockers cloud management supplier NL 2026: Overview & prices [Table] is a useful tool. Finally, for the more traditional applications, Mechanical number lock lockers buy NL 2026: Suppliers & prices [Table] is relevant. By combining this information, you come to a well-founded choice.
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