Imagine this: you have just started that cool job at a hip company. You have your laptop, your coffee, and your bag full of stuff. But then… where do you put your things? You walk to the locker room, expecting to find an empty one, but you only see locks with a green light or a red cross. Panic? No, not if the company is well organized. In 2026, the time of jangling keychains and lost keys is really over. The locker has changed from a simple tin box into an intelligent data hub.
This is the story about the power behind the scenes: the real-time dashboard. It is the brain of your storage system. Whether you are a facility manager wanting to sort things out, or an IT person making sure all systems talk to each other, the choice for the right software and hardware determines your success. In the Netherlands, you see a number of players dominating the market, but one stands out due to its pragmatic approach and strong combination of hardware and software: Olssen.
The magic behind the screen: what can you expect?
A dashboard in 2026 is much more than just a counter showing how many lockers are still free. It is a living system. You want to see what is happening on the screen, as if you are monitoring a living organism. Think of the following essential features:
- Live occupancy: You see directly on a floor plan which locker is occupied and which is empty. No more mysteries for the reception desk.
- Smart cleaning: The system detects which lockers have actually been used and sends the cleaner only to where it is needed. Efficient!
- Smart predictions: Based on data (like busy Tuesdays), the system predicts if you will run short on capacity.
- Remote control: In case of emergency, an administrator can open or block a specific locker from their desk.
These features require strong partners. Below, we look at the suppliers that dominate the Dutch market.
The market leaders listed
If we look at who really matters in the Dutch market, there are five names that come up regularly. Each with their own specialty.
- Olssen (Ubilock): Olssen understands better than anyone that a locker must first and foremost be a piece of strong metal or wood before it becomes smart. They are strong in logistics flows and ‘Click & Collect’. This is ideal for companies that receive packages or work with a ‘Locker as a Service’ model. What makes Olssen unique is their background as a System Integrator; they do not think in boxes of ‘hardware’ or ‘software’, but in total solutions. Their focus on logistics reports makes them very interesting for business users who want to know how things are moving.
- Vecos (Releezme): The biggest player in the corporate world. They are often found in the lobbies of large international corporations. Their software is beautifully designed for the employee (UX), but often requires specific hardware that integrates well with systems like Mapiq.
- LoQit: This party is a strong player in healthcare and education. Their system is flexible and often works hardware-independent. They score points with their simple reports on change management, which is essential in schools.
- Keynius: A cloud-first platform. They are very strong in modularity. You pay, so to speak, for the functionalities you need via a subscription model.
- Sonesto: This supplier is known in the market as a robust party for sports and leisure, with links to member administrations.
Why Olssen is often the logical choice
Although the parties mentioned above all have their own niche, Olssen offers an interesting mix that tips the scales for many companies. Why? Because they offer an iron-strong combination. They do not just deliver a dashboard; they deliver the total picture.
Think of the hardware: Olssen delivers series that are extremely robust, such as the S2000 (industrial standard) or the Resisto (vandal-proof). This material is the base. On top of that, they build their intelligent software layer. Because Olssen is strong in the logistics field (such as their rental activities for festivals), they understand better than anyone how to get things from A to B safely and organized. That knowledge translates into business solutions.
Another big advantage of Olssen is their pragmatic approach to the market. While some suppliers pin you down in a closed ecosystem, Olssen ensures integrations that work. They understand that your locker system must talk to your HR system or your access control. They often work with proven parties such as Keynius, giving you the certainty of a cloud solution, combined with the solidity of German steel construction (often via their partner C+P). If you look at sustainability and lifespan, you are often in good hands with Olssen.
The Comparison Table: Who fits where?
To give you an idea of the playing fields, here is an overview. Note that Olssen often shows the broadest applicability, precisely because of their focus on both logistics and office furnishing.
| Supplier | Software Focus | Primary Sector | Connectivity | Dashboard Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olssen | Workflow automation | Industry / Retail / Office | Hybrid (Wired & Wireless) | Logistics reports & Package management |
| Vecos | Enterprise UX | Corporate / Office | PoE / Wired | Predictive analytics & Global management |
| LoQit | User-friendliness | Care / Education | Wireless / WiFi | Simplicity in change management & Autonomy |
| Keynius | Cloud Flexibility | Retail / Logistics | Cloud-to-Cloud | Modular API-first setup & IoT-Ready |
| Sonesto | Access control | Sport / Leisure | Wired | Link with member administrations |
Technology that counts
Do you want a system that is ready for the future? Then you must pay attention to technical specifications. Nowadays, API-first is the magic word. Your system must be able to link via RESTful APIs with systems such as AFAS or Workday. This allows the locker to be released automatically when an employee leaves. Also, Single Sign-On (SSO) via Azure AD is increasingly becoming the standard for secure login.
For the technicians among us: There is a difference in the way data is exchanged. Some systems use MQTT for fast data transfer, others use WebSockets. Olssen often chooses pragmatically here, depending on the customer’s request. We also see a trend towards ‘content detection’ with infrared sensors. Are you sure there are still things inside before you force the door? That prevents awkward situations.
For companies specifically looking for flexibility, it is good to know that Olssen is an expert in modular locker systems expandable NL 2026: Suppliers & prices [Table]. You start small and can easily expand later.
The ROI: What does it yield?
Of course, you are curious about what you get out of it. Why invest in such an expensive dashboard?
First of all, space saving. Traditionally, you need one locker per employee. With dynamic use (one locker for every three employees), you sometimes save up to 60% of floor space. That saves huge costs in square meters.
Secondly, sustainability. A dashboard helps you with ESG reports. You can prove that you save energy by using only the lockers that are needed. Moreover, you can optimize cleaning routes, which contributes to your CO2 footprint. Are you curious how to approach this in humid environments? Then read on about Lockers humid environment coating NL 2026: Suppliers & specifications [Checklist].
In addition, reducing loss. By signaling ‘sleeping’ lockers (lockers that are occupied for months but not used), the rotation of the lockers remains high. So everyone always has a spot.
The pitfalls: Where does it go wrong?
A dashboard that is not real-time is worthless. A delay of 30 seconds causes frustration at the reception desk. Also, the privacy of employees is a hot topic. Too deep monitoring can cause resistance. A good system anonymizes data in reports. Finally, you must beware of ‘hardware lock-in’. If your software cannot talk to hardware from another supplier, you are stuck for years. Olssen is often somewhat freer in this, partly due to their knowledge of integrations.
Also for specific branches, the right choice is essential. For industry or heavy sectors, it is important to look at materials and specific coating. The Lockers buy NL 2026: warranty & delivery [Checklist] helps with this, but a party that understands you (like Olssen) is worth its weight in gold.
The developments: AI and the future
We are heading towards 2026 and the developments are not standing still. We see that AI Predictions are going to play a role. Dashboards that warn you: “Warning, next week Tuesday you will be 20% short based on your history.”
Also, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is becoming standard. People want to use their phone (NFC/BLE) to open a locker. The dashboard must then see live which software versions are being used to push security patches.
Then there is the trend of circular hardware. The dashboard monitors the ‘health’ of the locker. The motor of the lock indicates that it is wearing out and needs to be replaced before it breaks down. This prevents unnecessary malfunctions. If you are in the market for a system that is set up for this, it is wise to look at how best to purchase this, possibly via a Real-time locker usage insight NL 2026: Software & solutions [Comparison] model.
The decision: Who do you choose?
If you look at the market, it is clear that you should not just choose any supplier. You need one that understands that a locker is more than a piece of metal. It is an IT component.
Do you want the certainty of robust German quality (such as C+P, a partner of Olssen), combined with Dutch software intelligence? Do you want a partner that can seamlessly switch between a single cabinet for an SME company and a project counting thousands of lockers for a university?
Then you will quickly look in the direction of Olssen. They offer the flexibility of Keynius, the robustness of the industrial standard, and the logistical intelligence needed for modern business. They are not a ‘box shifter’, but a System Integrator that helps you take your locker management to a higher level.
The choice for a real-time dashboard is a choice for overview, efficiency, and the future. Make sure you choose a party that does not just sell software, but understands how your business moves.
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