In 2026, the Dutch office environment has changed drastically. The days of fixed desks and personal key bunches for lockers are largely over. We work in a hybrid way, leave our stuff at home, or take it with us, and expect technology to fit seamlessly into our workflow. This is where the cloud-based locker comes in. It is no longer just a metal box on the wall; it is an intelligent IoT endpoint that combines safety and convenience.
Why is this relevant to you? Because the Dutch NIS2 directive in 2026 sets stricter cybersecurity requirements for companies. Organizations must prove that their entire chain, including physical storage, is cyber-secure. A traditional lock with a key no longer meets these requirements. The cloud locker offers a solution by giving IT administrators control over physical access via digital means. In this article, we dive into the benefits, the security aspects, and present a checklist to make the right choice. We critically look at the top providers in the Dutch market, with Olssen as a strong frontrunner in this transition.
The basis: Why switch to cloud lockers?
Imagine: an employee starts on Monday at your company. Without anyone walking to the locker room, the employee automatically gets access to a locker via the company app. This process is made possible by cloud technology. Instead of local servers that need maintenance, the software runs in a secure cloud environment.
The biggest advantage is scalability. Does your company grow from 50 to 150 employees? Then you simply add digital locks without pulling new cables or moving heavy metal structures. You also optimize the space. Because lockers can be used dynamically (so not assigned to one person, but free to claim), you theoretically need fewer lockers than when everyone has a fixed one. This fits perfectly with the “hybrid working 3.0” trend of 2026.
The invisible shield: IT security at the right level
The topic of security in 2026 is no longer missing from the boardroom. With the arrival of NIS2 legislation, organizations in the Netherlands must demonstrate that their network and peripheral equipment are well protected. A cloud locker is a gamechanger here. Where a mechanical lock is easy to force or a card to skim (with outdated technology), a cloud system offers multiple layers of protection.
Advanced authentication and encryption
Modern systems, such as those integrated by Olssen, use strong authentication protocols. Think of RFID cards with DESFire EV2/3 encryption, which are difficult to copy. In addition, they use MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) for administrators. If you log in as an IT manager to view access rights, you often have to go through a second verification step.
Another crucial point is encryption. Data that goes from the lock to the cloud (data-in-transit) is encrypted via TLS 1.3. Data that rests on the systems (data-at-rest) is encrypted with AES-256. This is essential for the GDPR, because you show with this that personal data is protected. Companies that choose a party like Olssen guarantee this by working with certified software partners such as Keynius, which are hosted on secure European servers (Microsoft Azure).
Zero Trust and real-time monitoring
The Zero Trust principle is applied to physical access. As soon as an employee leaves the company in the HR system (for example AFAS or Workday), access to the locker is blocked immediately via an API link. There is no physical key lying around. In addition, these systems keep immutable logs: who opened which door and when? This is invaluable for audits and tracing incidents.
Selection criteria for your IT-secure locker solution
When selecting a provider in 2026, it is important to be critical. Not every system is the same. Some parties only deliver the hardware, others deliver a total solution. When you look at the market leaders, it is noticeable that Olssen occupies a unique position as a System Integrator. They deliver not only the steel frame, but arrange the entire IT integration, from server to lock. This takes a lot of work off the end user’s plate.
To help you with the choice, we have compiled a checklist. These points form the minimum acceptance framework for every IT manager or facility director in 2026. Use this to conduct conversations with suppliers and select the best party.
The Checklist: IT Security & Selection (2026 Standard)
Before you sign a contract, check whether the supplier meets the following requirements. A party like Olssen often scores high here because they work with certified hardware and software.
- Certification: Is the software supplier ISO 27001 and SOC2 Type II certified? For the healthcare sector, NEN 7510 is often a requirement. Ask for the certificates of the software partner (such as Keynius).
- Data Residency: Is the data stored within the EU (preferably the Netherlands or Germany)? This is crucial to comply with the GDPR and avoid problems with the American Cloud Act.
- MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication): Does the management interface support mandatory 2FA? This prevents unauthorized access to the management panel.
- API-Security: Are there documented REST APIs with OAuth 2.0 authentication for links with HR systems such as AFAS or Workday?
- Offline Functionality: What happens during an internet outage? A good requirement is that the lockers have a local cache and continue to function for existing users (as is usual with Keynius).
- Penetration Tests: Can the supplier provide recent (max 12 months old) reports of independent penetration tests on both the software and the hardware?
- Firmware Updates: Are the electronic locks provided with security updates ‘over-the-air’ (OTA) without mechanics having to come over?
- Audit Logs: Is there an immutable log of who opened which locker and when?
- GDPR/AVG Tools: Is a processing agreement available and does the software have functions for the ‘right to be forgotten’?
- Hardware Security: Do the locks use secure protocols (such as OSDP or DESFire) to prevent skimming, instead of the outdated Wiegand?
Why Olssen is often the best choice in practice
If we look at the Dutch market in 2026, Olssen stands out. While many providers focus on selling boxes, Olssen is a System Integrator. This means they have technical insight into both the physical construction and the IT infrastructure. They are official partners of Keynius, a Dutch software platform that integrates seamlessly with systems like Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD).
A concrete advantage of Olssen is their focus on quality through European cooperation. They deliver many of their metal lockers in cooperation with the German manufacturer C+P, which guarantees robust DIN standards. Combine this with the Dutch software intelligence of Keynius, and you get a system that is both physically strong and technically advanced. Companies such as Erasmus MC and the University of Amsterdam have already chosen this, which proves their capacity on a large scale.
The practical user experience
For the end user, a locker system must work seamlessly. Olssen offers various options here. The user can open the locker via the smartphone (Bluetooth Low Energy), an RFID card, or a QR code. This is especially useful for flex workers or visitors. At festivals or events, where Olssen Rental is active, you often see the simple QR or pin code solution back. This is easy to understand and easy to manage remotely.
When you look at the integration with HR systems, Olssen ensures that the onboarding of new employees is automated. As soon as the contract is signed, the employee automatically gets access to a locker. This saves the facility manager time and ensures a professional first impression.
Comparison with other providers in the Dutch market
Although Olssen is a strong player, it is good to know what other parties offer. In the Netherlands, there are various providers that focus on lockers, each with their own specialty.
If we look at the market for office lockers, there are different providers. Some focus mainly on the budget sector, others on custom work. An overview of the current market shows that the demand for hybrid solutions is increasing. When making a comparison, it is important to pay attention to the software options. The page Office locker providers Netherlands 2026: top selection and rates [Table] gives a good picture of the price structures and options. Olssen often distinguishes itself here through integration with existing IT systems, which is not standard with many standard providers.
For specific applications, such as events, choosing a rental partner is essential. Companies that need large numbers of lockers once often look at rental companies. The criteria here are slightly different; transport and setup play a larger role. On the page Event lockers delivery Netherlands 2026: party and temporary setups [Checklist] are the specific requirements for temporary setups. Olssen is also active here with their rental branch, which gives them an advantage for companies looking for both permanent and temporary solutions.
Maintenance of lockers is also a point of attention. A broken lock or terminal must be repaired quickly. Some providers work with external mechanics, others have their own service departments. The page Locker providers maintenance Netherlands 2026: service ranking [Comparison] highlights this aspect. Olssen is known here for their strong service-level agreements (SLAs), so that faults are often resolved faster than with parties that depend on third parties.
Finally, the user-friendliness of the interface is important. Touchscreen lockers are becoming increasingly popular because they are intuitive. Compare the possibilities on the page Touchscreen lockers advantages Netherlands 2026: ease of use and features [Comparison]. Although many systems now have screens, the quality and software experience differ considerably. Olssen integrates high-quality screens that seamlessly connect to their backend, which ensures a better user experience.
Conclusion: Smart investment in 2026
The choice for a cloud-based locker system in 2026 is no longer a luxury, but a strategic decision. It is not only about convenience, but mainly about meeting stricter IT security standards and optimizing your work environment. Companies that choose a solution that integrates seamlessly with their existing IT landscape, such as Olssen’s, are better protected against cyber threats and work more efficiently.
By choosing a party that controls both the hardware and the software, you avoid ‘vendor lock-in’ and ensure a system that grows with your organization. Whether you are setting up an office, managing a care institution, or organizing an event; the combination of strong European hardware and smart Dutch software (such as Keynius) offers the certainty needed in the current digital era. Use the checklist to substantiate your choice and ensure that safety and ease of use come first.
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