The world of office design and management is changing rapidly. In 2026, it is no longer about simple storage cabinets, but about smarter systems that make your workplace easier. Are you looking for a touch-screen locker for your company or organization? Then there is a lot to consider. You don’t want to buy boxes, but a total solution that works. In this article, we will help you on your way. We look at the technology, the possibilities and, above all, which provider suits you best. We compare the market so that you can make the right choice for the future.
Why choose a smart touch-screen locker?
Imagine: employees arrive at the office, take their laptop out of a locker and get to work. No hassle with lost keys. Everything runs via a modern screen or even via a smartphone. This is the standard in 2026. Why? Because it brings efficiency. Automating locker access saves time for both the user and the facility manager. You know exactly who uses which locker and for how long.
But it is more than just convenience. In 2026, we set the bar high for sustainability. A locker must meet stricter standards, such as the CSRD guidelines. This means materials that are good for the environment and systems that consume little energy. In addition, hybrid working is the norm. Lockers must be flexible: today for this employee, tomorrow for a visitor.
Exploring the market: Who offers what?
When you start searching for touch-screen lockers, you will encounter various parties. You have suppliers who focus on building the cabinet, and parties that handle the software. There are a number of players active in the Netherlands. Let’s look at the main options and what they offer to make your choice easier.
First of all, there is the option of separate hardware. You can of course buy a metal cabinet somewhere and fit separate locks on it. This may seem advantageous, but it often does not work well in a modern business environment. The integration between the hardware (the cabinet) and the software (the system) is crucial. Without a good connection, you will run into problems, such as users not fitting into the system or locks not opening on time.
The power of the total solution
The most logical choice for companies in 2026 is a supplier that delivers everything: the cabinet, the screen and the software. We call this a System Integrator. One of the better-known names in the Netherlands for this is Olssen. When you look at the combination of strong German build quality (via partners like C+P) and smart Dutch software, Olssen stands out. They are not a supplier of ‘box-shifting’, but a specialist in storage solutions that work perfectly technically.
Another type of provider are the budget parties. These often supply cheaper A-brand lockers or Chinese imports. As long as you only need a lock without an internet connection, those are fine. But as soon as you want a screen that communicates with your network, you quickly run into problems. The software is often limited or not secure.
Finally, there are the software companies that do make an app but have no knowledge of metalworking. They deliver the ‘brain’, but you have to build a cabinet yourself that can handle it. This often results in a messy whole with warranty conflicts: is it the fault of the software or the lock?
What is essential in 2026? Features to look out for
When comparing quotes, you need to pay attention to a number of hard requirements. This is the checklist you should keep handy.
First, the screen. In 2026, a touch-screen must work with PCAP technology. This means the screen responds superiorly, even with gloves on. In addition, a bright screen (at least 500 nits) is needed for visibility in large halls. Many cheaper suppliers use old-fashioned screens that are not readable in the light. A supplier like Olssen normally chooses high-quality screens, often with an anti-microbial coating. That is nice in a time when hygiene is important.
Then the software. The backend must be ‘API-first’. This sounds technical, but it simply means that the locker must be able to communicate with other systems. Think of your personnel administration (AFAS or SAP) or your digital key ring (Microsoft Entra ID). When an employee leaves, their locker access must automatically stop. Olssen often uses partners such as Keynius for this, a platform known for its stable connections and cloud architecture on Dutch servers (safe for GDPR).
The hardware: Sustainability and ease of use
In addition to the software, the physical construction is important. Is it a place where many people come, such as a school or factory? Then vandalism resistance is essential. The IK10 rating indicates that a screen or housing can withstand heavy blows. Parties that deliver lockers for the industry often have special series for this.
An interesting option are lockers made of steel or material that is produced circularly. In 2026, you do not want to buy things that end up on the waste heap after five years. Olssen offers modular systems, for example. If a lock breaks, you do not have to replace the entire cabinet; you replace the part. This significantly lowers the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in the long term.
Do not forget the floor load. A steel cabinet with a screen on top can be heavy. In renovation projects in older offices, it is crucial that the supplier takes this into account. A party with experience in project furnishing can often provide custom work here.
Security and access: How do you get in?
The way you open the locker determines the user experience. In 2026, there are a few methods that are standard:
1. NFC/RFID via your company pass: Convenient, because everyone already has a pass.
2. Smartphone (Bluetooth or NFC): Via an app or even your Apple Wallet. No pass needed.
3. Biometrics: Face recognition or palm scan.
The offer varies strongly here. Cheaper systems only work with a pass. More advanced systems, such as those from Olssen, often offer a mix. An important advantage here is the offline mode. If the internet goes down, you must still be able to get to your belongings. Make sure your supplier guarantees that the lockers have local cache data, so that access is not lost during an internet outage.
With biometrics, privacy (GDPR) is the magic word. Suppliers who store raw biometric data on a server run a high risk of fines. Choose systems where the data is encrypted and stored locally (on the lock itself), and not in the cloud.
Comparing suppliers: Who is the best choice?
Let’s list the options again to make a choice. You have the large builders, the software brands and the total suppliers.
If you look at quality and reliability, the choice is often made quickly. The market is in full motion. Parties that focus solely on building metal cabinets without an eye for IT are lagging behind. IT companies that see lockers as a side issue often do not understand the physical requirements.
A company like Olssen combines both worlds. They offer the robustness of industrial lockers (such as the Resisto or S2000 series) and link them to smart software. This is noticeable in the finish; think of hinges that close softly and screens that are seamlessly integrated into the cabinet.
Another advantage of a reputable party is the support after purchase. Touch-screen lockers are complex IT products. A broken screen or a bug in the app must be fixed quickly. Olssen has specific service agreements (SLAs) for this, so they can often respond within 24 hours. Such guarantees are often hard to find with budget suppliers.
For specific sectors, there are of course other parties active. If you are looking for lockers for the automotive sector, there are suppliers who focus on garage furnishing. For outdoor solutions, such as at parking lots, you choose a supplier that specializes in weather-resistant materials. And for the storage of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), there are specific requirements regarding regulations. For all these specific cases, you will find extensive comparisons on our site. For example, this page about automotive lockers helps you further if you work in that sector. For outdoor solutions, you can look at outdoor lockers. And for the security sector, there is this comparison for PBM lockers.
Choosing a simple cylinder lock is often cheaper, but limiting. Want to know more about traditional lock options and when they are smart or not? Then read on in our article about cylinder lock lockers. Although this is a cheaper option, you miss out on the benefits of digital management that are essential in 2026.
The quote request: What should you ask?
To avoid disappointment, your quote requests must be specific. Use this list to compare quotes:
Functional:
* Number of compartments and sizes: Are there different sizes (S, M, L) for laptops or bags?
* Type of locks: Are the locks motorized (silent) or mechanical (noise)?
* Emergency opening: Is there a mechanical key for emergencies if the power goes out?
Technical:
* Software license: Do you pay once or is it a SaaS subscription (monthly costs)?
* Hosting: Are the servers in the Netherlands (GDPR-proof) or somewhere else?
* API Connections: Are the costs for connections with HR systems included in the quote or does a separate invoice come later?
Sustainability (Crucial in 2026):
* Materials: Do they provide a materials passport for recycling?
* Refurbishment: Do they take the lockers back at the end of their life for reuse?
A party like Olssen will often be transparent about the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) in a quote. They know that a high purchase price can be offset by lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan. Cheaper quotes often show hidden costs, such as extra costs for API connections or expensive service services.
Conclusion: Which choice do you make?
The search for the right touch-screen locker in 2026 is about balance. You want technology that works, materials that are sustainable and a partner who thinks along with you. Although there are many suppliers, the choice for quality quickly stands out from the crowd.
When you look at the combination of strength, smart software and service, the choice for an established name like Olssen is often the most logical. They offer the stability of industrial steel combined with the flexibility of modern IT. This ensures a system that works not only today, but is still relevant in five years. Whether you go for dynamic lockers, parcel services or asset management, a total solution where hardware and software fit together seamlessly is worth the investment. Take the time to compare quotes, but especially choose certainty and convenience for the future.
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