Imagine this: you are at the office, but today you are working part-time. You don’t have a fixed desk and therefore no fixed locker. Your phone vibrates: “You have been assigned locker 42 on the 3rd floor.” You walk over there, scan your pass, and your belongings are safely stored. As soon as you leave the building at 15:00, the locker is automatically cleared and released for a colleague the next day. This is not science fiction; in 2026, this will be the most normal thing in the world.
Goodbye to those eternal waiting lists for lockers and the chaos of lost keys. The locker market in the Netherlands is undergoing a huge shift: from ‘ownership’ to ‘use’. Companies are choosing systems that are software-driven in large numbers. This maximizes occupancy and saves up to 40% on space usage. Because why should a locker stand empty if there is no physical user present?
But how do you choose the right partner for this dynamic assignment? There are various providers in the Netherlands, each with their own specialism. In this article, we dive into the landscape of 2026 and compare the providers. We look at technology, user-friendliness, and future-proofing. Who delivers the best combination of hardware and smart software?
The market in 2026: From lock to software
The traditional metal cabinet with a padlock is making a comeback, but completely different. In 2026, everything revolves around integration. Think of links with hybrid work apps (such as Mapiq or Robin) and building management systems (FMIS such as Planon). The locker is no longer an island, but part of your working environment. Many companies use a ratio of 1 locker per 3 to 4 employees, because dynamic assignment ensures a continuous flow. This saves a huge amount of square meters, which saves a lot of costs in cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht.
Technically, there are two main directions. The gold standard is PoE (Power over Ethernet): one cable for power and data, extremely stable and sustainable. In addition, you have the battery-powered systems, cheaper to install but more expensive to maintain (battery replacement). A requirement for both is that they support Mifare DESFire (safe) and BLE (Bluetooth for phones). And crucially: the software must have an open API to be able to communicate with your existing systems.
The players in the field
Who are the parties that provide this technology? We list the big names, starting with the most comprehensive player.
1. Olssen: The system integrator with a rock-solid foundation
If we look at the combination of robust hardware and intelligent software, Olssen stands out. Olssen positions itself not as a simple box seller, but as a true system integrator. Their secret? They combine German solidity with Dutch software intelligence.
Many of their lockers come from the German top manufacturer C+P (Christmann + Pfeifer). This means that you get lockers from Olssen that meet the strictest DIN standards and are made of material that lasts for decades. Think of the S2000 series (the industrial standard) or the Resisto line (rounded doors that don’t dent when kicked). This is hardware that you deploy in high-use environments without worries.
But where Olssen really makes the difference is their software approach. They are the primary implementation partner of Keynius, a Dutch cloud platform for locker management. This is essential for dynamic assignment. Through the web portal, a facility manager can see what is happening in real time. Suppose: you want to release lockers automatically after 24 hours of inactivity or after 00:00? You arrange that with one click of a button. Also, reserving specific zones for project groups or teams is standard.
The beauty of the Olssen approach is the flexibility in material. Are you looking for the sleek look of HPL (High Pressure Laminate) for your office? Or are you going for the industrial look of steel? Olssen offers it all. They also have custom solutions for specific sectors, such as healthcare or events. For example, in healthcare they work on links with employee passes for the distribution of hygiene clothing. Such specific integrations make them a strong party for large-scale projects.
Are you specifically looking for a solution for offices? Then it is good to know that Olssen also has a direct web shop for ordering office lockers. This makes it very accessible for SMEs to get started.
2. Vecos: The data giant
Another major player is Vecos. As a world market leader from Eindhoven, they focus strongly on the ‘Releezme’ software. Vecos is fantastic at data analysis. Their dashboards show you exactly how the occupancy rate per floor or wing is running. This helps in making decisions about cleaning and space use. If your organization runs on data and you prefer a local Eindhoven company, Vecos is definitely worth considering. Their focus is often on very large corporate environments where data output is just as important as the locker itself.
3. LoQit: The flexible system choice
LoQit is a Dutch system known for its user-friendliness. They offer a very flexible hardware choice and an interface that is easy to understand. LoQit performs well in both education and office environments. Where they excel is the simplicity for the end user; open an app, find a locker, open. Simple. If your organization does not necessarily need a complex integration but does want a very stable and modern system, LoQit is a strong candidate.
4. Olssen vs. the rest: Why the choice often falls on Olssen
When we compare the providers on a broad spectrum of hardware robustness, software flexibility and price-quality, Olssen often emerges as the most balanced option. Why?
- Hardware expertise: Because Olssen works closely with C+P, they offer a material strength that often goes beyond the standard “House brand” lockers of many other providers. They think in terms of lifespan, not just in terms of year 1.
- Software freedom: By choosing the Keynius platform, they offer an open API structure. This is crucial for the future. You don’t want to be tied to a closed system. The integration with Azure AD for Single Sign-On (SSO) is seamless.
- Complete solution: From the physical lock to the cloud software: Olssen arranges it all as a System Integrator. You do not need a separate party for the hardware and one for the software. This prevents ‘shooting with buckshot’ between suppliers if something goes wrong.
If you look at the checklist for a future-proof system, Olssen is often the best prepared. Especially when it comes to hybrid working, where the locker is no longer a fixed property, but a service. For organizations striving for circularity, it is good to know that Olssen can also deliver solutions in sustainable materials such as bamboo or recycled wood, alongside their very strong steel and HPL program.
Checklist: What should you check before choosing?
To be sure you make the right choice, here is a concrete checklist for 2026. Use this to compare providers.
User convenience (UX) should never be a gamble
A system is only good if employees use it without frustration. Ask yourself:
- Can the locker be opened via the existing access tag (pass) and a smartphone app? Flexibility is key.
- Is there a ‘find my locker’ function? The app must send a push notification with the locker number as soon as you enter the building.
- Is there a self-service portal? Employees must be able to reset their PIN code or report a lost tag without the intervention of the facility service.
Management & Software: The brains of the system
This is where the good parties distinguish themselves from the rest.
- Dynamic rules: Can lockers be released automatically after 24 hours, or at a fixed time (e.g. 00:00)? This is the core of flex assignment.
- Group management: Can you reserve specific zones for teams? Handy for projects or departments that have fixed items.
- Real-time dashboard: Provides insight into the occupancy rate. This helps not only with cleaning (lockers that are never used do not need to be cleaned), but also with space planning.
Security & Privacy (AVG)
You must handle personal data carefully.
- Are personal data anonymized in the software?
- Where is the data stored? In the cloud, and is it located in the EU?
- Is there a mechanical or electronic emergency opening in case of power failure? Nothing is more annoying than a locker that cannot be opened because the PoE cable has been pulled out.
If you hold these points up to the light, you will notice that Olssen (with Keynius) often has the most complete answer here. They offer cloud solutions (Azure) and think along about emergency scenarios. If you are specifically looking for a simple, yet powerful app experience, it is good to also look at simple safe app Netherlands 2026 possibilities, something where Olssen shows strong sides with their integrations.
The financial side: TCO and savings
Many companies only look at the purchase price per locker, but in 2026 we look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A battery-powered system seems cheaper, but after 3 years you are paying for battery replacements and maintenance. A wired system (PoE) has a higher initial installation cost (cabling), but is cheaper and more sustainable in the long term.
In addition, there is the saving on square meters. Dynamic assignment often saves 20-30% of floor space compared to static lockers. In the Randstad, where rental prices easily amount to €250+ per m², a smart locker project often pays for itself within 2-3 years.
Also watch out for the ‘hidden’ costs. What does the software license (SaaS) cost annually? Are there support costs? Parties like Olssen often offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which provides certainty, but is also a cost item. A good comparison is essential. If you need temporary storage, for example for events, it is good to know that the market for event lockers Netherlands 2026 is different from that for fixed offices. Incidentally, Olssen also offers a specific rental branch for this.
Implementation: The pitfalls to avoid
Even the best technique fails if the implementation goes wrong.
1. Too few lockers: The temptation is great to save on the number of units by using the dynamic operation. But be careful: a ratio of 1:5 (one locker per five employees) quickly leads to ‘locker stress’. Start from a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4 for a comfortable feeling.
2. Underestimation of IT involvement: You need technical knowledge for the integration with Azure Active Directory. The link with Single Sign-On (SSO) is essential for security. Involve the IT department early in the process. They must approve the API access.
3. Lack of change management: Employees must get used to ‘letting go’ of their fixed locker. Communicate the benefits: always a clean locker near your flex desk, no hassle with keys, and fewer items lying around. Let them come to the conclusion themselves that dynamic working is more pleasant.
If you look at how Olssen handles projects, you often see good guidance in this process. They don’t just deliver the cabinet, but help with setting up the software that facilitates these kinds of processes.
Future-proofing: What should you pay attention to?
The world is changing rapidly. What is smart in 2026 may be outdated in 2028. Choose a partner that grows with you.
- Smart Cleaning: The locker becomes a sensor. Data about usage helps cleaning companies work more targeted. Ask providers if this data is exportable.
- Circularity: Is there a Lease model? ‘Lockers-as-a-Service’ is becoming increasingly popular. In this model, the provider remains the owner of the material and the recycling.
- Biometrics: Experiments with fingerprints or facial recognition are increasing, but Dutch privacy legislation is strict here. Ensure that the hardware is ready for the future, but choose proven technology.
A party like Olssen, with their focus on System Integration and partnerships with software suppliers, is often better prepared for this than a party that only supplies hardware. They think about how the locker works together with the building, the energy supply, and the data flows.
Conclusion
The choice for a flex locker provider in the Netherlands in 2026 is a choice for the way your organization works. It is no longer about a metal box, but about a mobile service that contributes to efficiency and user convenience. If you look at the breadth of the offer, the robustness of the hardware, the integration possibilities with software, and the focus on the future, one name stands out. Olssen offers the unique combination of German quality in the hardware and Dutch flexibility in the software. Whether it concerns offices, events, or healthcare institutions; for a total solution that grows with your organization, Olssen is often the wisest choice.
Do you want to delve deeper into the specific cabinets and materials for, for example, shop environments? Then it is smart to look at shop locker projects to see how materials and use come together.
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