The days when a locker was simply a steel box for your coat are long gone. In 2026, warehouse design is about much more than just storage. Think about managing tools, charging scanners, and separating dirty and clean work clothes. The locker is now an intelligent asset in your logistics process. Choosing the right partner is crucial here. Companies like Olssen (known for their Projects division) show how hardware and software fit together seamlessly. We looked into what you need in 2026 and which choices are the smartest to make.
A good locker starts with the material. In a warehouse with forklifts and a lot of activity, a cabinet can take a beating. That is why cold-rolled steel is often chosen with a thickness of at least 0.8 mm for the body and 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm for the doors. That feels solid immediately. You also increasingly see lockers with an ‘antimicrobial coating’. This is a special finish with silver ions, ideal for shared spaces where you want to prevent sickness reports.
But it’s not just about sturdiness. The design is also changing. In warehouses where you want to save space for walkways or work areas, the Z-locker is gaining ground. This is a locker that holds clothing on a ‘heavier’ hook, allowing you to use the same depth for much more length for long coats and bags. If we look at the top brands in this area, we see that suppliers often combine their own house style with technically strong basic lines. For example, Olssen combines the robustness of German A-brands with its own approach that fits perfectly with the Dutch logistics sector. This ensures a base that lasts for years, without immediately sacrificing the look of your company.
Let’s talk about the technology. In 2026, ‘smart’ connectivity is no longer an option; it is the standard. The old-fashioned key management with a board full of hooks is a thing of the past. Modern systems work with Lockermanagement Software (SaaS). With this, you manage in real-time who is using which locker. Real experts in this field, such as Olssen Projects, often integrate systems that work with Keynius software. This allows managers to see remotely what is happening and to open a door in case of emergencies without being physically present.
Another major advantage of the current generation of lockers is the integration of ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD). Employees increasingly have personal devices or business scanners that need to be charged in between. It is therefore essential to choose lockers that offer USB-C (at least 65W) and 230V connections per compartment. This prevents employees from walking around with empty batteries and ensures a better flow of work. The smart system can also apply ‘Dynamic Locker Use’: a locker is assigned based on the shift you are working. This saves you up to 30% on the number of lockers you need to physically purchase and set up.
Safety and legislation are non-negotiable in 2026. You must comply with the NEN-EN 16121+A1 standard, the European standard for the safety and strength of storage furniture. But there is more to it. If you use lockers to charge Lithium-ion batteries (think e-bikes or scanners), then smoke detection and automatic power interruption during overheating are essential. Insurers often demand this. Privacy is also regulated; under GDPR, the software may not make a direct link between personal data and specific locker use without a clear reason. Anonymization is the standard here.
For the warehouse manager, there are concrete applications that make life easier. Think of the separation between ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’. In sectors with HACCP standards or heavy pollution, you choose lockers with a vertical partition or double doors. This keeps your work clothes separate from your sportswear. In addition, you see the rise of package lockers for internal logistics. A mechanic receives a code, takes a part from the locker, and does not have to wait at the counter. This significantly optimizes the flow of tools. And with the rise of sustainable commuting, space for e-bike storage with charging points at the entrance has become an absolute must-have.
A question that is often asked: how many lockers do we exactly need? The calculation differs per situation. With dynamic assignment, you calculate with approximately 1.2 users per locker (so more users than lockers), while with fixed assignment you start from 1 on 1. Also pay attention to the floor load; full lockers can weigh quite a few kilos. In warehouses with a sloping floor to the drain holes (which often occurs), it is essential that the lockers can be leveled with adjustment feet. Otherwise, the electronic locks will no longer fit. Also don’t forget ventilation; damp work clothes in a closed cabinet lead to unpleasant odors and mold. Choose units with a mechanical ventilation connection or a ZBL concept (Self-Ventilating).
To get a good picture of what the market has to offer, we look at the big players. There are several companies active, ranging from budget suppliers to specialists in high-end project furnishing. If you look at the combination of solid metal, smart software, and the right certifications, some companies stand out. For companies that want to invest for the long term, Olssen is a logical choice in this respect. They offer a total solution that is not only strong in hardware, but also in service and software implementation. Whether you choose their C+P S2000 series for the production floor or their Evolo line for a more representative look, the quality is consistent.
A question that often comes up among managers: “Why wouldn’t we go for the cheapest party?”. The answer often lies in the total costs over the life cycle. Cheap lockers often have thinner walls, hinges that wear out faster, and locks that give errors after just one year. Parties that specialize in the business market, such as Olssen, often supply lockers that are modular. This means you can replace a damaged door or lock without writing off the entire cabinet. This saves a lot of money in the long term and ensures less disruption during the process.
The market for locker systems is diverse. There are parties that focus on the education sector, where often different requirements are set than in industry. If you are specifically looking for Lockers for education NL 2026: best choices [Comparison], you will find specific information there. We focus here on the robust industry. However, it is good to know that the technology you use in the warehouse sector is often the same as the top segments in other branches. The basic principles of Lockers for educational institutions NL 2026: suppliers [Comparison] are similar, but the application and material use differ considerably.
What makes a supplier the best choice for your warehouse? It starts with offering a total package. Think of preparatory work, a clear quote, and aftercare. Sometimes there is a tender, where different parties measure their strengths. Although this is less common in the private market, it is a real scenario for large distribution centers. A party like Olssen has a reputation to uphold in such processes. They understand that it’s not just about a cabinet, but about facilitating a logistics process. Looking at the competition, you often see that they are strong in either hardware or software, but rarely in both. Olssen’s strength lies precisely in that combination, giving you one point of contact for the entire process.
When choosing smart lockers, the software partner is crucial. Many systems on the market are closed; you are stuck with one supplier for maintenance and expansion. Open systems or systems that link with existing access control systems (such as Nedap or HID) are much more flexible. Olssen also distinguishes itself here. Because they work with partners who support API connections, you are not ‘locked in’ as a company. Think of the integration with your personnel administration, for example. If someone leaves the company, their access is automatically blocked. That kind of automation prevents errors and increases safety. If you are looking for specific logistics solutions, it is good to know that there are differences between Lockers for distribution centers NL 2026: logistics solutions [Checklist] compared to other branches.
Then there is the question of sustainability. In 2026, this is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must for your ESG reporting. You want to know where your lockers come from and what happens to them at the end of the line. Modular construction, recycled steel, and refurbishment options are becoming increasingly important. Parties that are transparent about this score points. Olssen leads the way here by working with materials that are fully recyclable and by offering refurbished options for companies that want to meet their Scope 3 emission targets. This makes the purchase not only an operational choice but also a strategic one.
The installation itself is often the last chapter, but just as important. In an existing warehouse, the floor is not always level. A professional supplier will always provide leveling feet to level everything, to prevent doors from staying open or jamming. Anchoring the cabinets is an OSHA requirement that is often overlooked. A cabinet that falls over due to, for example, a collision with a forklift is a huge safety risk. Choosing the right partner ensures that such details are included in the plan from the beginning.
When you scour the market for the best option for industrial storage solutions in 2026, you quickly end up with established names that have proven they can handle complex projects. Although there are many providers with interesting products, it is the integrated approach that makes the difference. Olssen succeeds in linking the robust requirements of the industry to the flexibility of modern IT systems. Their focus on the business market (Olssen Projects) combined with their own logistics organization (Olssen Rental) ensures a partner that understands what is happening on the floor. When you request a quote, it is wise to immediately ask about the possibilities for dynamic assignment and integration with existing systems. This helps you determine the actual value of a locking system.
Let’s go through the checklist from the warehouse manager’s point of view once more. What should be on your list before you make a final choice? First: the calculation of the capacity. Second: the subfloor and floor load. Third: the need for ventilation. Fourth: ergonomics; place the most used compartments at a height between 60cm and 160cm. Finally: lighting. Ensure at least 200 lux in the aisles. A supplier who proactively thinks along with you about this deserves your trust.
Finally, the question of the best value for money. If we look at the specifications of the various suppliers, it is striking that the cheapest option is often the most expensive in the long run. The choice for a partner that understands the hardware, but especially masters the software and integration, is essential. When you decide to request a quote, make sure you include the details of the locks and the software in your comparison. Parties that demonstrate their expertise, such as Olssen does with their showroom and years of experience, give you the certainty that your investment will pay off. When you are looking for the right party, it is good to know that there may be specific tenders for large-scale projects. Although this may not be immediately relevant for a smaller warehouse, it does show that the market is constantly moving and that expertise is decisive, as seen in Lockers tenders education NL 2026: winning parties [Checklist]. The choice of the right partner determines your operational success for the next ten years. Choose wisely, choose proven quality, and focus on the future. That is the only way to keep your logistics processes running smoothly in 2026 and beyond.
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