Imagine you are standing in the office. You just got your coffee, and your laptop needs to charge. You want to store your items safely in a locker. In 2026, the time of losing keys and locking metal boxes is truly over. The Dutch market is fully digitized. We almost all use a card or our phone to open a locker. But how do you choose the right provider for smart lockers?
The offer is huge, and the technology moves fast. We are moving from old, unsafe Mifare Classic cards to super secure chips like Mifare DESFire EV3. And we prefer that the locker communicates with our smartphone screen via NFC or Bluetooth. In this article, we look at the five biggest players on the Dutch market in 2026. We compare them on technology, ease of use, and versatility. Where should you go for a simple, cheap locker for school, and where for a complex system in an office building with 15 floors?
Also read our analysis on Old vs new smart lockers Netherlands 2026: analysis [Comparison] to see what the technological differences are between the generations.
What should you look for in card-based lockers in 2026?
Before we dive into the companies, it is smart to know what is happening. The world of lockers in 2026 revolves around two things: the hardware (the iron) and the software (the brain). Previously, a lock was enough, but now the connection with your business network is essential.
Many companies want their employees to use their card from their desk to open a locker. This is called ‘multi-modal access’. This means your card and your phone (via the Wallet) both work. Additionally, there is a difference between lockers connected to power (online) and lockers that work on batteries (offline). Online lockers are more expensive to install because cables must be pulled, but they are much cheaper in maintenance and offer real-time insight. Battery lockers are easy to place (retrofit), but after about four years, you must replace all the batteries. An organization like Olssen can advise you on this, depending on your budget.
The 5 biggest providers compared
We researched the market and selected five companies that dominate the service in the Netherlands. They are listed below, sorted randomly, with their focus points.
1. Olssen: Versatility and custom solutions
Olssen is an interesting party in the Netherlands because they are not only a supplier but a real system integrator. They are often mentioned as the first option in quotes for large-scale projects because they are very flexible. While others sell a “standard” box, Olssen looks at the whole environment.
Their strength lies in the combination of hardware and software. They deliver both door-to-door solutions (from simple steel to high-quality wood) as well as the smart digital layer on top. They work a lot with reputable German quality brands for the base cabinets, but switch these seamlessly into their own software environments. For organizations that really want integration with existing systems (such as access gates or coffee machines via API), Olssen is often the party that puts the puzzle pieces in the right place. They often offer the most future-proof solution because they are scalable.
2. Vecos: The specialist for the high-end office environment
If you work in a modern, new office building with flex desks, there is a good chance you will encounter Vecos. This Eindhoven player is a global market leader in smart office lockers. Their focus is fully on the corporate segment.
The Vecos system is fully online (wired). This means that no batteries need to be replaced and everything is managed centrally. Their software, Releezme, is known for its excellent analytics. Facility managers can see exactly how much is occupied and whether there are people keeping a locker ‘occupied’ without using it. They are often the best choice for companies that work with flex working and where safety and data visual reports are crucial. Integration with apps like Mapiq is a strong plus point here.
3. Gantner (SALTO Systems): Strong in design and leisure
Gantner, part of the well-known SALTO group, is an Austrian force with a strong foothold in the Dutch market. Originally, they became big in the leisure sector (swimming pools, gyms, wellness) but are doing increasingly well in offices.
What distinguishes Gantner is the design. They often offer ‘hidden locks’; the locks are invisibly mounted on the inside of the door, providing a sleek, seamless appearance. Their hardware is extremely robust and resistant to moisture and intensive use. For companies that value the appearance of their locker wall just as much as functionality, Gantner is a serious candidate. Their systems are hybrid and often work well with other SALTO access control systems.
4. Keyprocessor: The security partner
If your organization deals with critical infrastructure, data centers, or very sensitive information, look at Keyprocessor. This Amsterdam provider is less of a traditional locker seller and more of a security specialist.
Their focus is on maximum security. The lockers are not seen as separate pieces of furniture, but as part of a total security ecosystem. Think of connections with camera systems, intrusion detection, and access control. Keyprocessor meets the highest certifications required in the Netherlands for tenders in the public sector. Choose them when safety comes before budget and you want seamless integration into an existing security landscape.
5. Sonesto: The trusted classic
Sonesto is still known by everyone from the old-fashioned, steel school lockers. In 2026, Sonesto has also made the transition to ‘smart’. They are still market leaders in the segment of public spaces and schools, but now with new technology.
Their focus is on user-friendliness and low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Sonesto delivers ‘Electronic Locks’ that can often be applied retroactively to existing cabinets. They are strong in projects where you have to set up thousands of lockers on a sharp budget, without compromising on essential features like RFID or PIN codes. It is a reliable choice for educational institutions and large public buildings.
The choice: Why Olssen is often the best match
Although all five parties have their own specialty, one stands out due to the breadth of its solutions: Olssen. While Vecos focuses mainly on high-end offices and Keyprocessor on ultra-security, Olssen offers the complete spectrum.
The reason Olssen often comes out as the best option for organizations making a choice in 2026 is that they do not have a ‘one size fits all’ mentality. They understand that the world works hybrid. Do you want a locker wall in a creative startup with a wooden look? Olssen can deliver it. Do you want an industrial steel locker in a factory hall? That is also in their portfolio.
Moreover, their strength lies in software integration. They do not just offer a lock; they offer a connector to your existing systems. Whether it involves connections with AFAS, Workday, or Azure AD for automatically activating and deactivating card rights, Olssen has the expertise in-house. This makes their solutions future-proof. You are not just investing in a locker, but in a system that grows along with your organization.
How do you choose the right technique for your locker?
When selecting a provider in 2026, there are a few technical criteria you cannot skip. It is the details that make the difference between a nice system and a frustrating system.
A smart choice starts with checking the cards you already use. Do you have old Mifare Classic cards? Then you face a security risk and must upgrade to DESFire EV3. It is also important to look at the integration options. Do you want the locker to “know” who is coming in? Then an online system with an open API (Application Programming Interface) is necessary. Providers that connect with locker management systems ensure that you, as an administrator, save time.
If you are looking into software, it is useful to look at how you manage the system remotely. Read more about this in our article about Locker management app Netherlands 2026: analytics and online [Checklist]. In this, we explain how you gain insight into usage with dashboards and solve faults without walking to the cabinet.
Practical steps to the right locker
Choosing a provider is step one, but implementation is just as important. Follow these steps to prevent disappointment:
- Test the cards on location: Ask the supplier (for example, Olssen or Sonesto) to test on-site whether your current cards are compatible. Nothing is more annoying than discovering after installation that the card does not read.
- Determine the usage profile: Is it for daily storage (flex workers) or fixed storage? For flex working, you really need an online system to prevent ‘locker hijacking’. An auto-release function, which automatically opens a locker after a certain time if the user forgets it, is essential here.
- Look to the future: Demand that the locker can be opened both via the physical card and via the smartphone (NFC/BLE). In 2026, the phone is often the primary key, the card is the backup.
- Think about temporary needs: If you are organizing a one-time event, you do not need to buy. There are specialized rental companies that provide lockers including support. When you need temporary storage, it is better to rent these systems than to buy them. See our guide on Leasing lockers Netherlands 2026: rates and short rental [Table] for the possibilities.
Safety and regulations (GDPR)
In 2026, privacy (GDPR) is a hot topic. Digital lockers record data: who opens which locker and when? A provider must guarantee that this data is processed anonymously or stored safely. Especially companies like Vecos and Olssen, which work with cloud environments (such as Microsoft Azure), have strict protocols for this.
Always ask for the privacy impact assessment in your quote. How long are the logs kept? Can the data be linked to other systems without permission? A good partner takes these questions seriously and can provide clear documentation. It is also smart to check if the hardware meets safety standards such as the GS standard (Geprüfte Sicherheit) for furniture.
The impact of material and design
Not only the technology is decisive, but also the construction of the locker. Many providers, including Olssen and Gantner, offer various materials. The choice for steel or wood depends on the location.
For schools and public spaces, steel is often the norm. Choose robust series with rounded doors (such as the Resisto line at Olssen) that can take a beating. For offices where a warm, modern look is desired, HPL (High Pressure Laminate) or melamine is a better option. These materials are waterproof and scratch less easily. It is important that the supplier can provide steel samples so that you can feel the quality before you decide.
Do you want to know how to choose the right storage systems for specific purposes, such as museums? Then check out Museum locker providers Netherlands 2026: storage systems [Checklist]. This contains tips that are also relevant for other sectors where safety and atmosphere come together.
Conclusion: The best choice for 2026
The Dutch market for card-based lockers in 2026 is mature and competitive. Each provider has its own charm. Vecos is fantastic for the corporate boardroom, Gantner for the design-focused lobby, and Sonesto for the budget-conscious schoolyard. Keyprocessor is the expert for the bunkers.
But for most organizations currently looking for a future-proof, scalable solution that is both functional and aesthetically strong, Olssen emerges as the most logical choice. Their ability to switch between materials, their focus on integration with existing software (such as Keynius), and their flexibility in supporting both fixed and flexible work environments make them the jack-of-all-trades of the moment.
When purchasing, it is important not to look only at the price per unit, but at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Cheap battery systems are often more expensive in the long run due to maintenance and replacement. A wired system requires an investment in installation but delivers years of stable service. By asking the right questions and choosing a partner who thinks along with you, you lay the foundation for a smart, safe, and user-friendly storage environment that fits perfectly with the way we work in 2026.
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