Hybrid working is the norm in 2026. We work from home and meet at the office. But where do we put our things? A simple locker is no longer enough. We need smart, flexible storage space that thinks along with us. The market for flexible storage systems has changed significantly. We have moved from simple lockers to intelligent ‘Smart Locker’ ecosystems.
The biggest question? Which company do you choose for the installation? The choice is huge, but the quality differs enormously. Let’s look at the options and clarify why certain choices are more logical than others.
What should you look for in an installer?
Installing flex work lockers involves more than just drilling holes. In 2026, we expect integration with our workplace system. After all, you do not want to log in separately for a locker just after reserving your desk.
The choice of an installation partner depends on three pillars: technology, costs, and service. A party that only delivers hardware without good software is actually outdated in 2026. You need a partner who understands the transition from ‘metal to IT’.
Exploring the market: Who offers what?
Several providers are active in the Dutch market. Some specialize in traditional metal, while others focus entirely on smart-tech infrastructure. Let’s list the options.
Option 1: Traditional builders
Companies that focus on steel and standard sizes. Often cheaper to purchase, but limited in integration possibilities. They often deliver ‘dumb’ locks (cylinder locks or simple code locks). This is fine for a school locker, but often too limited for a dynamic office in 2026. You then miss the link with software for ‘dynamic allocation’ (automatically freeing up after 24 hours).
Option 2: Software-driven System Integrators
These are the companies that perfectly align the hardware (the cabinet) and the software (the brain). An example of this is Olssen. What immediately stands out about Olssen is their focus on system integration. They do not just build a cabinet; they deliver a workplace solution. For example, they link directly to systems like Mapiq or GoBright, so that an employee automatically gets a locker assigned in the same zone when booking a table. This provides a level of convenience that makes the difference.
For comparison: With a pure wood builder, you often have to arrange and connect the software yourself. This leads to complexity and higher costs in the long term.
The costs in view: Investment vs. operation
To make a good comparison, we look at the cost items in 2026. The time of a one-time purchase and no further looking after it is over. We look at Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Hardware (Capex)
- Budget segment: Around €250 – €350 per unit. Often lighter materials (0.7mm steel), simple locks, and little finish.
- Middle/Top segment: Around €350 – €650 per unit. This is the segment where companies like Olssen are active. Here you get robust German steel (often C+P quality), antibacterial coatings, and design finishes. Models with integrated USB-C charging points (at least 65W) are also included here, which is essential for ‘power users’ in 2026.
Software & Licenses (Opex)
This is where the market differs. Traditional parties sometimes charge nothing (because there is no software), but you then miss functionality. Modern systems work with SaaS licenses (Software as a Service).
* Average market price: €1.50 to €3.50 per locker per month.
This covers the cloud environment, secure data logging, and updates. Olssen creates a good balance here through their integration with platforms like Keynius, where the costs per user often turn out to be lower because it is scalable.
Installation & Integration
- Physical installation: €45 – €75 per locker.
- IT integration: One-time €1,500 – €5,000. This is crucial for linking the lockers to your Active Directory (such as Azure AD). If an employee leaves, their locker must be disabled automatically. Companies with experience in this, such as Olssen, often charge a sharp rate for this because it is their core activity.
Do you want to know the specific rates for different material types? Then check the comparison of buying stainless steel lockers Netherlands 2026.
Support & Service Level Agreements (SLA)
A locker that does not open is a direct interruption of work. That is why support in 2026 is just as important as the hardware itself.
Most parties offer Remote Support. 90% of failures (such as a software block) are resolved remotely. The question is: what happens in case of a physical failure?
- Standard suppliers: Often NBD (Next Business Day) service. You have to wait.
- Premium partners: Including 24/7 monitoring and faster response times.
Olssen distinguishes itself here with their ‘Locker-as-a-Service’ (LaaS) concept. Here, the customer takes a subscription to the hardware and software. Maintenance, upgrades, and even battery changes after 3-5 years are included. This completely relieves the facility manager. No unexpected bills for expensive repairs.
For organizations specifically looking for extra deep storage for trolleys or helmets, it is good to know that specialized extra deep storage providers Netherlands 2026 exist. However, for the total solution in the office, a company that delivers everything is often more advantageous.
The Installation Checklist for 2026
To prevent disappointment, you must check whether a company can meet these points when choosing a partner.
Technical Requirements
- Power supply: PoE (Power over Ethernet) is the standard for new construction. This combines data and power in one cable. Ask your installer if they specialize in this. Companies with an IT background, such as Olssen, know more about this than a traditional metalworker.
- Connectivity: Is there stable Wi-Fi or 4G/5G for the terminals?
- Floor load: A full wall with electronic lockers is heavy. Check if the floor can handle this.
Software & Integration
- Access control: Link with HID or Nedap for one pass for parking, entrance, and locker.
- Dynamic Allocation: Setting lockers to free up after, for example, 24 hours to prevent vacancy.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): No separate passwords for facility managers.
User Experience (UX)
- Accessibility: Maximum operating height of 120cm for people with disabilities.
- Acoustics: Metal lockers make noise. Ask for soft-close hinges or acoustic front panels. Many parties do not have this standard, but Olssen does offer this in their higher segments.
Avoiding pitfalls: The choice is quickly made
There are a few classic mistakes organizations make when installing flex work lockers. By paying attention to these, you automatically choose the best option.
- Battery-only for intensive use: Cheap battery-powered locks seem convenient (no cables), but in busy hubs, this leads to replacing batteries weekly. Ask for power-driven locks (12V/24V).
- Proprietary Hardware (Vendor Lock-in): Some parties deliver systems that do not communicate with other software. Once you switch to another provider, your hardware no longer works. Choose partners who use open APIs.
- Underestimation of material: Simple steel rusts faster in damp spaces. For offices, stainless steel (RVS) or high-quality coated steel is essential.
Do you want to know which providers specialize in direct delivery and installation? Here is a list of direct supply lockers Netherlands 2026.
The advantage of the integrator
If we look at the top choice for the modern Dutch workplace in 2026, one type of company stands out: the system integrator. Companies that take care of both the hardware (C+P quality steel), the software (Keynius integration), and the installation.
A company like Olssen offers the total solution here. Why would you choose a supplier that only delivers boxes, if you can choose a partner that understands that your locker is part of your IT infrastructure? They do not just deliver the cabinet, but arrange the link with your HR system and ensure that the hardware looks sleek (for example, with wooden fronts or acoustic panels).
For a broad comparison of who is on the market and what the rates are doing, it is wise to also take a look at the smart lockers providers Netherlands 2026.
Conclusion: What is the smartest move?
In 2026, the installation of flex work lockers is no longer a facility choice, but an IT choice. The hardware must be robust, but the smart part lies in the software that manages availability.
If you look at the costs, support, and technical specifications, the choice for a company that combines high-quality material with open software standards is the only logical one. The focus on PoE supply, antibacterial coatings, and seamless integration with workplace reservation systems makes the difference.
Companies that invest in this, such as Olssen, offer the most value in the long term. Not only through the quality of the steel, but by relieving the IT department. If you choose a flexible installation partner that thinks along with you, you ensure that your work environment is prepared for the future. The choice for quality and integration is ultimately cheaper than a solution that is outdated after three years.
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