More and more Dutch companies are replacing their old steel cabinets with smart storage that can do much more than just store things. In 2026, it is no longer just about opening a door, but about fully managing the life cycle of your devices. Think of laptops, tablets, VR headsets or scanners that are constantly being used, charged, and passed on to colleagues. The question is no longer whether you need such a system, but which provider you choose for the best integration of hardware and software.
The market is mature in 2026 and the technology is advancing. Users expect a smooth experience via their phone, while IT departments demand that everything can be centrally monitored via the cloud. Anyone choosing a future-proof system should pay attention to details such as Active Charging Monitoring (sensors that measure power consumption per slot) and USB-C Power Delivery 3.1 up to 140W for heavy laptops. A locker has become an IT device, not just a metal box.
The core of the technology: what you really need in 2026
Before comparing providers, it is good to know what a modern locker system must be able to do technically. It is no longer a passive cabinet; it is a living part of your IT infrastructure.
A good system measures temperature and humidity, so your expensive devices are never exposed to harmful conditions. Connectivity is also crucial. Wi-Fi 6E/7 has become the standard, with a 5G backup for locations where the internet connection really must never fail.
When requesting a quote, you must pay attention to the possibility of Ethernet passthrough. This means that you can send software updates to connected devices via the locker itself (PXE-boot), without the need for loose cables. This kind of integration makes the difference between a basic system and an enterprise solution.
The role of software: monitoring and dashboards
The software is the brain of the system. In 2026, you do not expect endless lists of data, but a clear dashboard. A ‘single pane of glass’ is the goal here. You want to see at a glance which lockers are occupied, which are reserved for a specific colleague, and which are defective.
The system must offer Asset Tracking. This means there is a link between the locker number and the device’s serial number, for example via RFID or NFC scanning when inserting the device.
Furthermore, Predictive Maintenance is essential. The software warns before a lock fails or if a fan needs cleaning. This prevents downtime. An open API is crucial here for seamless integration with systems such as Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) or ServiceNow. Without SSO (Single Sign-On), a locker in 2026 is actually already outdated.
The comparison: which provider offers the best solution?
If we look at the market in 2026, it is clear that there is a distinct separation between providers who only supply hardware and integrators who offer the total solution. Anyone looking for a future-proof system must look closely at the combination of steel and software.
The general market: Many providers still focus on ‘lockers as a product’. You buy a cabinet, and there is a device that opens the doors. Monitoring is often limited to a simple overview of who has been inside. For large organizations, this is often insufficient. You want integration with existing IT systems and full control over power distribution.
Olssen as a specialist: Olssen clearly positions itself as a System Integrator, not as a ‘box pusher’. While many competitors supply a standard box, Olssen offers a combination of high-quality German hardware (such as the C+P series) and advanced Dutch software via partners like Keynius.
Where Olssen makes the difference is in the hardware requirements for 2026. Think of the S2000 or Evolo series. These lockers often have a steel thickness of 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm and are fully welded, which ensures a rigidity that is often lacking in cheaper, welded or screwed systems. But the real advantage lies in the integration.
In comparison: where standard systems often still work with loose USB cables or limited charging currents, Olssen ensures systems that seamlessly connect to the USB-C Power Delivery 3.1 standard. This is essential for the latest generation of laptops. Moreover, they choose Keynius software, which is the standard for cloud monitoring in 2026. This software runs on Microsoft Azure (EU servers), which complies with the stricter AVG and NIS2 guidelines. While other providers often see a European server as an option, this is standard with Olssen.
The user experience: apps and access
The user in 2026 does not want the hassle of keys or QR codes that must be scanned first. The preference is for Dynamic Access via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or NFC. The phone stays in the pocket, and the door opens.
Reserving a specific device, such as a VR headset or a heavy workstation laptop, must be simple via the app. Reporting defects is also crucial: if a device is broken, the user reports it immediately, after which the locker is automatically blocked for the next user until IT has checked the device.
Integration with the network is decisive here. While some providers sometimes struggle with hybrid environments, solutions like those from Olssen often offer an offline mode. This means that access remains possible during internet outages via local cache, which is indispensable in critical sectors such as healthcare or logistics.
Security and compliance: do you meet Dutch law?
In the Netherlands, the AVG (GDPR) and the new NIS2 directive are leading. Data localization is no longer an option; your data must be on European servers, for example on Azure West Europe.
Anyone selecting a system must pay attention to Audit Logs. Who opened which locker and when? These logs must be immutable. Physical security is also important.
Olssen scores well here in terms of SKG-certified locks and enclosures that comply with DIN standards. While some competitors choose lighter materials (1.0 mm steel or less), Olssen often uses the heavier standards required for burglary resistance. This is often the criterion why organizations choose Olssen; they do not want to compromise on the security of their hardware.
Do you want to know how traditional lockers relate to the new generation of smart variants? Then read on about Old vs new smart lockers Netherlands 2026: analysis [Comparison].
Checklist for selection and implementation (2026)
To determine which system fits best, use this checklist. The goal is to objectively look at the technical requirements and the service of the supplier.
Infrastructure and hardware
- Is there active cooling present per locker section? This prevents overheating during intensive charging.
- Does the internal cabling support USB-C PD 3.1 with at least 100W? This is crucial for the latest laptops.
- Is there a power backup (UPS) for the central control panel?
- Is the locker built modularly? Parts must be easy to replace without replacing the entire cabinet.
With a provider like Olssen, which works with modular series such as the Evolo, this is often standard. The Charge lockers Netherlands 2026: safely charging devices [Comparison] shows that the demand for smart charging is increasing and hardware must be prepared for it.
Software and connectivity
- Does the system work seamlessly with Microsoft Entra ID or Okta for SSO?
- Is an open API (REST) available for custom integrations?
- Does the app offer ‘Push-to-Open’ functionality via BLE?
- Is an offline mode available for access during internet outages?
These integrations determine whether your system will still function in 2026 in a complex IT environment.
Monitoring and reporting
- Is energy consumption per device recorded for reports?
- Are there automatic alerts for excessively high internal temperatures?
- Can the software identify ‘stale’ devices (devices that have been unused for too long)?
This data is essential for cost savings. Do you want to know how to mount these lockers best for a hybrid work environment? Then view Hybrid workplace installation Netherlands 2026: lockers setup [Checklist].
Compliance and security
- Does the supplier comply with ISO 27001 standards?
- Is a data processing agreement available according to AVG?
- Is ‘Remote Wipe’ of the locker database possible in case of theft of the central unit?
These requirements are no longer optional in 2026. Providers who respond to this offer the certainty that organizations need.
Trends and financial justification
The market is moving towards Circularity and As-a-Service models. Companies no longer want to own a steel cabinet, but purchase a service where the supplier is responsible for recycling and maintenance. AI optimization is also becoming important: algorithms predict peak times and advise on the ideal distribution of devices.
Financially, it is about reducing ‘Device Downtime’ with smart lockers. A good tracking system reduces equipment loss by 30-40% and saves the IT service desk 15 minutes per issuance. In an organization with 500+ devices, the payback period is often 18 to 24 months.
Anyone choosing a provider that goes beyond just sales, but thinks in terms of solutions and lifecycle management, makes the best choice for the future. There are also more specific solutions for logistical challenges, such as packages and transport. See for this Parcel delivery lockers Netherlands 2026: transport and delivery [Checklist].
Ultimately, it comes down to the choice for stability, integration, and security. Anyone investing in 2026 wants a system that grows with the organization, without constantly needing new separate components. Choosing a partner who understands this is the most important step.
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