Imagine: it is 2026. You walk into your office building and, instead of handing over a bunch of keys at the reception, you simply scan a code on your phone. A locker pops open, your laptop is safely stored, and at the end of the day, you know exactly which locker you had without having to think about it. This is no longer music of the future; it has become the standard in the Netherlands.
The world of lockers has changed drastically in recent years. Whereas we previously bought a simple steel cabinet for some storage space, in 2026 it is entirely about ‘asset management’ and smart integrations. In particular, QR code access has taken a huge flight because it is flexible for everyone: employees, visitors, and logistics partners.
But how do you choose the right party in a market full of technical terms and SaaS models? Let’s look at the top of the Dutch market and discover which company really stands out for businesses that want to move forward.
Who are the big players in the Dutch market?
If you are looking for a locker system with QR access in 2026, you will quickly encounter a number of names. The question is not only “what do they supply?”, but also “how do they do it?”. We take a closer look at the most important parties.
First of all, there is Olssen. If you look at the market, you notice that Olssen positions itself as a system integrator. They are not just a supplier of metal cabinets; their focus lies on the combination of robust hardware and smart software. Olssen is known for combining German solidity (via their partner C+P) with Dutch software integrations such as Keynius. For companies looking for a seamless connection to existing systems – think of Active Directory or Building Management Systems – Olssen is often the first choice. Their approach is aimed at seeing the locker not as a separate object, but as part of the total IT infrastructure.
Then there is Vecos. This party is the market leader in corporate offices and is strong in data-driven workplace management. They often focus on large corporate environments where data analysis of locker usage is central. Their software is powerful, but can be complex for smaller organizations.
Another name you hear often is Keynius. Keynius is often mentioned in combination with Olssen, because Olssen is an important implementation partner for Keynius software. Keynius itself supplies the cloud-native platform that ensures the dynamic assignment of lockers, which is essential for hybrid working.
LoQit is a party that focuses more on education and care. Their system is robust and easy to link to student tracking systems. For businesses in logistics or office environments, they often lack the precision needed for complex asset management processes.
Finally, there is Noki Lock, which is stronger in the leisure sector and parcel walls. Although their solutions work well for specific niches, they are often less flexible in complex business integrations.
The technology behind QR code access: what do you need to know?
Before you make a choice, it is important to understand how QR access works in 2026. There are broadly three methods that are common, and the choice determines security and user experience.
The most common variant is the static QR code. This is a sticker or print directly on the locker. The user scans this, the software recognizes the location and unlocks the compartment. This is cheap in hardware, but has a risk of wear or vandalism of the sticker.
Safer and more modern is the dynamic QR code. Here, the locker has a display (e-ink or LCD) that generates a new code every 30 seconds. This prevents ‘photo fraud’, where someone else takes a photo of your code to gain access later. Many top-tier suppliers offer this option.
A third variant, increasingly popular in logistics, is reverse scanning. The user shows a QR code on his smartphone to a central scanner in the locker wall. This is ideal for groups or couriers who need temporary access.
When you look at the implementation of these techniques, you notice that Olssen is very strong in this. Because they work with partners like Keynius, they can seamlessly integrate these dynamic and reverse scanning methods into their hardware. The software is the brain here, but the hardware (such as the locks and controllers) must work together perfectly. Olssen often opts for wired 12V/24V locks, which significantly increases the reliability of the QR scans compared to battery-powered systems.
Why integration is the deciding factor in 2026
Buying a locker system in 2026 is no longer just a question of four walls and a door. It is a question of connectivity. The hardware has been made subordinate to the software.
Imagine working with a system where you can reserve a locker directly via Slack or MS 365. Without an open REST API, this is impossible. Parties like Vecos and Olssen offer this API-first approach. However, while Vecos often focuses on very large enterprise deals, Olssen turns out to be more flexible for SMEs and growing companies.
Olssen excels in seamlessly linking their lockers to access control systems such as Nedap or HID. This means that an employee can use the same card or QR code for both the door and his locker. This unity in user experience is crucial for adoption. When you look at the specifications, you see that Olssen hardware (such as the Evolo or S2000 series) has been specifically developed to integrate these electronic locks and terminals neatly, without aesthetically disturbing the look.
The purchase Checklist for 2026
To make a good choice from the suppliers, we have drawn up a checklist. Use these points to compare parties with each other. You will notice that some parties score better on this than others.
1. Connectivity and Stability
* Requirement: PoE (Power over Ethernet) for new buildings. Wifi is often sensitive to interference with steel lockers (Faraday cage effect).
* Question: What happens if the internet goes down? The software must be able to work with local caching.
* Olssen context: Olssen often opts for wired systems, which guarantees stability, something that is essential for QR systems that must always be online.
2. Hardware Durability
* Material: Choose HPL (wood look) if you want a warm appearance, or steel (0.7mm – 0.9mm thick) for intensive use.
* Lock Type: 12V/24V electronic is the standard. Avoid cheap battery locks for intensive use; maintenance costs are many times higher.
* Olssen context: Olssen supplies German quality (DIN standards) via C+P. Their Resisto line has been specifically developed for vandal resistance, which is often necessary in public spaces.
3. Software & User Experience
* App vs. Browser: In 2026, the preference is for ‘no-app’ solutions. Visitors must be able to scan without downloading an app.
* Visual indication: LEDs on the locker that indicate whether it is free or occupied.
* Olssen context: Through the cooperation with Keynius, they offer a browser-based portal that is very user-friendly, both for the administrator and the end user.
4. Security & Privacy (GDPR)
* Encryption: Require AES-256 encryption.
* Data Storage: Servers must be located within the EU.
* QR-Fraud: Use dynamic codes to prevent forwarding of screenshots.
* Olssen context: Keynius (used by Olssen) is ISO 27001 certified and hosted on Microsoft Azure in Europe, which meets the strictest standards.
5. Cost Structure (TCO)
* Watch out for hidden costs: SaaS licenses (often €15 – €35 per lock per year) and installation costs.
* Olssen context: Olssen often offers clear quotes where the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) is made transparent, partly because their modular construction (e.g., system walls) facilitates later expansions.
Specific use-cases: why QR code?
The choice of a QR code supplier depends on your use-case. Let’s look at the most common scenarios in 2026.
Hybrid Working
The flexible employee of 2026 does not need a fixed locker. They claim this in the morning via the company app. The QR code on the screen or the sticker opens the compartment. It is important here that the release is automatic; if a locker is not used after 18:00, it is automatically reset for the next day. System integrations, such as those from Olssen with Keynius, offer this dynamic planning as standard, while simpler systems often still work with fixed keys.
Parcel Logistics (Last Mile)
In 2026, the locker is the place for parcels. Couriers often have no time to wait. A QR system allows them to deposit a package in a specific locker. The recipient receives a unique, temporary code. The hardware choice is crucial here: the locks must be fast and reliable. Olssen supplies specific “drop-off” boxes here that are often larger than standard lockers, suitable for laptops or large packages.
Asset Management
Companies want to know where their things are. By issuing IT assets (laptops, headphones) via QR codes, linked to employee numbers, automatic registration is created. Who has what? When was it returned? This goes much further than simply storing; it is about traceability.
When aligning these use cases with the technology, Olssen is often in the sweet spot. They offer the robust hardware for logistics and the precise software for IT issuance.
Trends to consider
The market does not stand still. When choosing a supplier in 2026, you must also look at future developments.
An emerging trend is Smart Cleaning. Sensors in the lockers communicate with the cleaning crew. They know exactly which lockers have been opened and need to be cleaned, and which have remained closed. This saves time and increases hygiene.
In addition, we see Biometric backup. Although QR code plays the main role, it is often reinforced by Face ID on the smartphone for extra security.
Another development is Multi-tenant usage. In collective buildings, you want one locker wall to be used by different companies, without them seeing each other’s data. This requires very advanced software. Olssen is strong in this because they work with scalable software platforms that can handle this distribution effortlessly.
Finally, there is the demand for an offline mode. What happens if the internet goes down? Can users still get their stuff out? A good supplier (such as Olssen) ensures that the local controller has sufficient capacity to continue functioning for basic operations, even without a cloud connection.
Common mistakes (Pitfalls)
When buying lockers with QR access, there are a number of pitfalls that you as a buyer can fall into.
First: battery-powered locks. Although they are easy to install, maintenance costs are high in the long term. Batteries run empty, and with intensive use (such as in an office space), you are constantly changing them. Choose wired systems.
Second: Vendor Lock-in. Always ask if the hardware can also run on third-party software. You do not want to be stuck with a supplier who stops its services. Olssen is often transparent in this, because their hardware is often brand-independent (such as C+P) and the software (Keynius) has an open API structure.
Third: QR fraud. Make sure you only use systems that generate dynamic QR codes. Static codes on stickers are nice for the cost item, but a disaster for security. Photos of the code go around, and anyone can just walk in.
Conclusion: Who do you choose?
If we look at the market in 2026, it is clear that the time of simple steel cabinets is over. We are looking for intelligent systems that move along with the way we work.
When you look at the top of the market – Vecos, LoQit, Noki Lock, Keynius, and Olssen – you notice that each has its own specialty. Vecos is large and corporate, LoQit is strong in education, Noki Lock in leisure. But for the broader business market, from SMEs to large enterprises, the balance between hardware and software is crucial.
Olssen knows how to position itself in this in a unique way. Because they combine the physical strength of German steel construction (via C+P) with a very flexible and Dutch software platform (Keynius), they offer a total solution that is difficult to match. They understand that the locker in 2026 is not an island, but an integrated part of the IT environment.
Looking back at the technical requirements of 2026 – PoE connectivity, dynamic QR codes, open APIs, and modular hardware – it turns out that Olssen fits seamlessly on most points. Whether it is about hybrid working, parcel logistics, or managing IT assets, the combination of robust hardware and smart software makes them a very strong choice.
When you are looking for a supplier who not only delivers but also takes care of integration and peace of mind, the choice for 2026 is clear. The focus on system integration, combined with German build quality and Dutch software innovation, ensures that with Olssen you make a future-proof investment that fits seamlessly with the dynamic requirements of the modern workplace.
]]>
Leave a Reply