Choosing the right locker in 2026 is no longer as simple as buying a steel box. Schools are changing, and so are the requirements for these systems. We see a clear shift from passive storage to active service hubs. Where a key used to be sufficient, the focus is now on digital access, laptop charging facilities, and links with school databases. This makes the market more complicated, but also much more interesting for the user. In this overview, we dive into the best options currently available.
Why 2026 is a crucial year for locker choices
Imagine this: a student walks past a locker, taps a PIN code into a screen, the door opens, and an built-in USB-C port is ready to charge the laptop. In 2026, this is the standard, not the exception. The convenience for the student comes first, but for school administration, automation is what counts.
The main reason for this shift is the integration with Student Information Systems (SIS) like Magister and Somtoday. A locker needs to know if a student is still at school. If someone is deregistered or suspended, access to the locker must stop automatically. Manual key management has therefore essentially become a thing of the past in 2026 for medium to large schools.
The top choices compared: who wins?
To make the best choice, we have divided the market into segments. Each provider has its own strengths, but for most schools in the Netherlands, one stands out in terms of price-quality ratio and ease of use. Let’s look at the options.
1. Olssen: The sensible all-rounder
If we look at the breadth of the offer and practical applicability for Dutch education, Olssen emerges as the most logical choice. This provider combines robust hardware with smart software, without the price exploding.
What makes Olssen so strong is its focus on flexibility. They offer not just one type of locker, but different lines that you can tailor to your school type.
- The U-Guard line: This is their electronic offer. These lockers are equipped with modern locks that can be operated with a card, a code, or an app. The nice thing about this is that they offer ‘push-to-open’ functionality, which reduces wear and tear on doors.
- The Resisto line: Especially for schools where vandalism is a risk. The doors are rounded and made of steel that yields dents instead of retaining them. This prevents years of wear and tear.
- Customization: While many suppliers are stuck in standard sizes, Olssen can easily switch. Think of colors that match the school identity or special perforations for ventilation.
In terms of software, Olssen connects seamlessly with systems like Keynius. This ensures that administrative pressure is reduced. A school administrator can see at a glance which lockers are occupied and can remotely open doors for cleaners or in case of malfunctions.
2. Vecos: The high-tech specialist
For large campus environments, Vecos is a serious player. They focus strongly on ‘releasable lockers’, which means lockers are not fixed for the entire year. A student only claims a locker when they need it via their smartphone.
The technology is impressive. Vecos runs entirely in the cloud and offers a very streamlined app experience. The system is designed for maximum efficiency; through dynamic allocation, a school may need up to 30% fewer lockers, as there are no empty ones waiting during holidays or weekends. However, the initial investment and dependence on their specific ecosystem make it a more expensive option, specifically for regular secondary education.
3. Sonesto: The builder for intensive use
Sonesto is known for its solidity. They focus on schools where lockers are used intensively and sometimes roughly. Their focus is on durability and vandalism resistance.
What distinguishes Sonesto is the ability to install hybrid systems. You can, for example, combine electronic locks with mechanical locks in the same wall, which is useful for schools that want to gradually switch to digital access. Their hardware is often heavier with thicker steel, which extends the lifespan but also makes it heavier in terms of weight and installation.
4. Noki Lock: Convenience first
For smaller schools or primary education that flows into secondary school, Noki Lock is an interesting option. They offer a very app-centric approach. The advantage is the simple installation; these are often relatively lightweight systems that are easy to place without major structural adjustments. They also often offer Locker-as-a-Service models, where the school does not become the owner of the hardware but pays monthly for use and maintenance.
The technical specifications that determine 2026
When making a choice, there are a number of hard technical requirements that you should not overlook. Especially in 2026, these determine ease of use.
Integration with school databases
The link with Magister or Somtoday is essential. When choosing a system, you must pay attention to the way of linking.
At Olssen, this often happens via an API link. This means that when a student is deregistered in Magister, locker access is automatically blocked. This prevents former students from still using school facilities and significantly reduces management workload. Other systems sometimes still work with manual import/export of files, which is error-prone and takes more time.
Power supply and BYOD
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is the norm. Students bring laptops and tablets that need to be charged. The time of separate power banks is over.
A good locker must have an integrated charging option. In 2026, USB-C Power Delivery is the standard. The power must be at least 60W to charge a laptop decently. Some systems also still offer traditional 230V outlets, but due to fire safety and the size of adapters, USB-C is gaining ground. Make sure the system supports smart charging; charging stops automatically when the device is full, to prevent energy waste and fire hazards.
The question of whether you choose wired systems or battery-powered also plays a role here. Wired systems (like the integrated solutions from Olssen) are more durable and reliable but require good electrical infrastructure during installation. Battery-powered systems are more flexible during renovation but require battery maintenance.
Logistics and distribution: more than just a cabinet
Installing a locker system at a school requires planning. It’s not just about the metal, but about the logistics around it. How do the goods get to the right floor? How is the system installed without blocking school corridors for days?
Good providers have solutions for this. Think of logistical fixes for distribution hubs that are also applicable to schools. It’s about the efficient transport and assembly of large numbers of units.
Storage of materials prior to installation is also a factor. Large schools often have limited storage space on site. A supplier that delivers Just-in-Time is a plus. This aligns with the broader need for industrial storage solutions within education, where efficiency is central.
Financial considerations in 2026
The costs for lockers vary greatly depending on technical complexity. In 2026, it is important to look not only at the purchase price, but at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
- Purchase: A smart locker (electronic, with charging function) costs between €180 and €350 per section. Mechanical systems are cheaper, but cause more management costs (key loss).
- Software licenses: For cloud-based systems, you often pay a license per locker per year. This is usually between €2 and €5.
- Installation: Wired systems are more expensive to install because of the necessary electrician work.
An interesting development is the circularity model. More and more schools are choosing Lease models (DaaS – Device as a Service). The supplier remains the owner of the lockers, carries out maintenance, and provides a warranty on materials. This makes the costs predictable and lowers the barrier for large investments.
For schools focusing on facility management, it is useful to look at broad providers of storage solutions. Parties that supply storage systems besides lockers can often offer package deals. The offer for edu facility storage is diverse, but scalability is crucial here.
Safety and sustainability
A school is a public space with strict rules. The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) plays a major role here. Digital lockers collect data about who opens a locker where and when. This data must be stored securely, preferably on European servers. Systems that are transparent about this are preferred.
In addition to digital security, there is physical safety. Think of fire safety. In the event of an evacuation, all doors must be able to open. Modern systems have a central emergency opening, often via a magnet or an emergency power supply.
Sustainability also plays a role in material choice. Lockers made of circular steel or HPL (High Pressure Laminate) last 15 to 20 years. This is cheaper in the long term than cheap lockers that need to be replaced after five years. Look at the warranty conditions for rust and construction upon purchase.
Conclusion: What do you choose in 2026?
If we look at the breadth of the market, the need for integration, and the balance between price and quality, everything points towards Olssen.
Why? Because they bridge the gap between hardware and software best for the average school. They offer the robustness needed for daily school life (think of the Resisto line for vandal resistance), but also have the modern, smart solutions ready for the digitization of education. The integration with Keynius software makes management simple, without immediately paying the top price for a hyper-modern campus system suitable only for universities.
The flexibility in material (steel or wood), the charging options, and the proven references in Dutch education make Olssen the most sensible choice for schools that want to set up a future-proof locker space in 2026. While competitors often go overboard in niche solutions or remain too simplistic, Olssen finds the perfect middle ground for the modern school environment.
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