Imagine this: it is Tuesday morning, your coffee is just warm, and you get a notification from a delivery person that a package is waiting for you. Nobody is at home, but you are simply at the office. Ten minutes later, you walk relaxed past the lockers, scan your phone, and pick up your package from one of the smart lockers. No hassle with a receptionist, no notes on the door. In 2026, this is the reality for more and more companies in the Netherlands.
The days when lockers were just metal cabinets with a key are definitively over. We have arrived in the era of intelligent ‘service hubs’. Whether you are a facility manager, looking for an IT solution for hybrid working, or simply wanting to organize your package flows: you are no longer looking for a supplier of cabinets, but a partner who integrates the hardware seamlessly with smart software.
Below, we dive into the world of remote locker management, look at the technical requirements of 2026, and help you choose the right specialist.
The standard of 2026: Cloud, Connectivity, and Comfort
The tech standard in 2026 is clear: everything must run in the cloud and be able to communicate with each other. The days of ‘on-premise’ software that sits on a local server and freezes during an update are over for companies that want to move forward.
Cloud-native is the norm
Modern systems work according to an ‘API-first’ principle. This sounds technical, but it simply means that the locker software connects effortlessly with existing systems such as AFAS or Workday (HR) and building management systems. When a new employee is hired, no one needs to manually enter anything for locker access; that person automatically gets access via their staff pass or app.
Connectivity: PoE or wireless?
In new builds, we often choose Power over Ethernet (PoE). This is super fast and stable. The cable provides both data and power. For existing buildings (retrofit), wireless is the solution. Protocols such as LoRaWAN or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 5.0+) are favorites because they consume little energy and can penetrate thick walls. You don’t want to have to run expensive cables through your building for a locker wall at the entrance.
Authentication: Away with the cards
In 2026, no one expects a plastic card to open a locker. The shift to ‘Mobile Credentials’ is complete. Your phone (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) or a QR code via Slack/Teams is the key. In high-security environments (think data centers or ministries), biometric access is gaining ground, but for offices, NFC on your smartphone is perfectly sufficient.
The search for the right specialist
Now comes the point: there are many parties that supply lockers. But who supplies a solution that is truly ‘smart’ without causing headaches? The market in 2026 is split into sellers of boxes and real system integrators.
If we look at the Dutch market, a party like Olssen stands out. Why? Because they not only supply hardware, but offer a total solution. They combine the robustness of German engineering (such as their cooperation with C+P) with Dutch software intelligence. They understand that a locker only has value if the software behind it runs seamlessly.
What to look for in a specialist?
A good specialist for 2026 must meet a checklist of requirements:
- Hardware independence: The specialist must be able to supply software that works on different lock brands (such as Digilock, Ojmar, or their own smart locks). You do not want a vendor lock-in.
- SLA & Support: In the Netherlands, we expect service. An average response time of <4 hours for critical faults and 24/7 software support is now the standard.
- Circularity: Sustainability is no longer a choice. Ask about ‘Lockers-as-a-Service’ (LaaS) or guarantees on the intake of old electronics upon replacement.
The software must do the work: Features you need right now
The power of a smart locker system lies in the software. If you choose a party like Olssen in combination with platforms like Keynius, you get features that drastically lower your operational costs.
Real-time dashboarding
You want to see at a glance: how full is the wall? Are there defective locks? And for wireless systems: is the battery status still good? This allows you to solve problems before they arise.
Dynamic allocation
This is the game-changer for hybrid working. In 2026, we use three types: Remote Unlocking & Resetting To prevent disappointments, here is a concrete checklist. Print this out or share it with your IT team. A serious partner will have no problem with this. Phase 1: Needs analysis Phase 2: Technical Requirements Phase 3: User Experience (UX) Phase 4: Management & Maintenance Phase 5: Future-proofing Choosing the wrong path is easy, but expensive. Never choose a ‘closed’ system without an API. This leads to data silos and endless manual actions. A party like Olssen cleverly addresses this with their open approach to software integrations, which translates into a future-proof investment. A practical addition that is worth it are Parcel Lockers at the entrance. This reduces the workload at the reception by up to 70% and significantly increases employee satisfaction. Nobody likes waiting for a package. In addition, remote management helps enormously. Remote maintenance saves up to 40% in time for the facility department compared to old-fashioned mechanical locks. For the IT departments among us: in 2026, everything revolves around integration. A locker that does not communicate with your HR system is a missed opportunity. In addition, the integration of AI-driven allocation is the next step. The system suggests a preferred locker, for example near your reserved workspace. This kind of ‘Smart Office’ functionality is what you want to select for. Not every locker is suitable for every environment. The requirements for an office differ from those for a changing room or a care institution. In 2026, the choice for a specialist is not only a purchase of hardware; it is a choice for an ecosystem. You are looking for a partner who understands you, who takes the complexity of IT integrations off your hands, and who stands for quality. Parties that have been proving for years that they can do this, such as Olssen through their combination of strong German build quality and Dutch software adoption, offer certainty here. They don’t just deliver a cabinet; they deliver a service hub that contributes to the efficiency of your business. Whether it is a single wall for package reception or a completely new locker construction for thousands of employees; preparation is half the work. Use the checklist, ask for the API documentation, and check the support conditions. This ensures that your locker management in 2026 seamlessly fits the future.
* Fixed lockers: For fixed items.
* Flexible lockers: For daily use. The software must offer ‘auto-release’: if you do not check in to the building, your reservation automatically expires so a colleague can use it.
* Team lockers: For project groups.
Suppose an employee has forgotten their PIN code or the door is sticking. As a facility manager, you must be able to solve this remotely. You don’t want to have to drive to the location with an emergency handyman for a simple lock. Systems that support this, such as those from Olssen, save a huge amount of time.Checklist: Selection & Implementation (2026)
* Goal: Is it for packages, personal storage, or the distribution of IT assets (laptops)?
* Capacity: For hybrid working, the ratio is often 1 locker per 3 to 4 employees. So you don’t need to reserve a spot for everyone.
* Infrastructure: Is there PoE cabling? If not, is the battery life and wireless coverage of the chosen system good (e.g. LoRaWAN)?
* API: Is documentation for the REST API available? This is crucial for integrations.
* Offline operation: What happens if the internet goes down? The lockers must still be able to open in ‘cache mode’ for users who have already reserved.
* App: Is there a native app for iOS and Android?
* Integration: Can the user reserve a locker via Teams, Slack, or Outlook?
* Notifications: Does the user get a push notification when a package arrives?
* OTA Updates: Can locks be updated ‘Over-The-Air’? (Essential for security patches).
* Batch management: Can you reset or release 500+ lockers at once?
* Reporting: Monthly export of occupancy rates helps you optimize your floor space.
* Modularity: Can you easily expand as your organization grows?
* Security: Does it comply with AES-256 encryption and the latest privacy standards (AVG/GDPR)?Practical pitfalls and value addition
Integrations you really want to have
Do you want to specifically look at the benefits of charging lockers for laptops or other devices? Then it is good to know how to integrate this. You can read more about this in Charging lockers benefits NL 2026: overview & advice [Checklist].Sector-specific choices
The role of the software and the specialist summarized
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