By 2026, the days of heavy keychains with dozens of keys are truly over within the Dutch government. The Rijksvastgoedbedrijf (Government Property Agency) and municipalities are switching to hybrid working. This means that as a government employee, you are no longer tied to one desk, and therefore not to one fixed locker. The focus is now on smart lockers that are dynamically assigned via your Rijkspas 2.0. Efficiency and data-driven management are central to this. You take a locker where you work and release it when you go home. This is convenient, but also complicated to purchase.
What are the possibilities and what does it offer?
In 2026, it’s all about saving space. Traditional fixed lockers, where nothing is stored for half the time, are now a thing of the past. Instead, smart systems are coming that know exactly how many square meters you need per employee. The market is divided among a few major players. Some specialize in software, others in extremely strong metal cabinets. The choice depends on your requirements: do you want a system that communicates with your building management system, or are you primarily looking for a cheap rental solution?
To give you an idea: for an average office with 200 employees, the one-time costs (CAPEX) range from €40,000 to €85,000, depending on the material choice and integration. If you opt for a Locker-as-a-Service model (LaaS), you pay monthly, including maintenance and software. This is often cheaper in the long run.
The market under the microscope: Who offers what?
When you start requesting quotes, you will inevitably encounter the same names. Below is an overview of the main parties you need to consider.
Olssen: The smart custom solution
If you look at the specific needs of a government office in 2026 – namely a combination of design, integration, and solid Dutch craftsmanship – Olssen stands out. Olssen is not just a supplier; they act as a system integrator. This means they don’t just deliver a box, but a total solution that seamlessly connects with existing IT infrastructure. Their expertise in both high-quality metal (via their German partner C+P) and design wood makes them very flexible for various government locations, from ministries to town halls.
Where Olssen really makes the difference is their collaboration with Keynius (software). This ensures that lockers are not ‘standalone’ but are part of the network. They offer solutions suitable for both static assignment (fixed spots) and dynamic use (flex spots). A strong plus point is their focus on sustainability and circularity; material passports are standard here. If you are looking for a partner who understands that a locker in 2026 is more of an IT accessory than a piece of iron, then Olssen is the logical first choice to approach.
Vecos: The software giant
Another major player in the market is Vecos. They are the market leader and are especially known for their ‘Releezme’ platform. Where Vecos is strong is data. Their systems predict occupancy and integrate smoothly with workplace apps. If your organization is already further along in digitization and you mainly want to steer on data analysis, then Vecos is a logical party to compare. Their focus is extremely on the software experience for the end-user, making the learning curve low.
LoQit: Flexible and accessible
LoQit positions itself as the flexible player. Their strong point is the user-friendliness for administrators. You don’t need deep IT knowledge to manage their systems. They offer both cloud solutions and standalone systems. This is interesting for departments that do not want to be directly connected to a complex central network. LoQit is often faster in implementation for smaller projects and has a modular hardware approach that is easily scalable.
Gantner: The robust specialist
For locations with very high security requirements, Gantner is a well-known name. Their hardware is often heavier and focused on NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Although their software platform sometimes feels less Dutch than, for example, Olssen or Vecos, the hardware is technically top quality. Gantner is often found in laboratories or high-security environments within the government.
Bruynzeel Storage Systems: The sustainable choice
Bruynzeel is a household name in storage, and they are now also strong in locker systems. Their focus is on sustainability and circularity. If your government agency heavily invests in CO2 reduction and corporate social responsibility, then Bruynzeel is a serious candidate. They often deliver combinations of archive storage and lockers, which can be useful in larger housing projects.
The checklist for your tender
To avoid disappointment, you need to have a sharp eye for detail when comparing quotes. In 2026, there are new hard requirements. Use this checklist to weigh up parties. And note: a party that meets these requirements often has an advantage in terms of security and integration.
- BIO-Compliance & Security: The lockers communicate with networks. Does the software comply with the Baseline Information Security Government (BIO)? ISO 27001 certification is no longer enough; ask for specific ISAE 3402 statements.
- Integration with Rijkspas 2.0: The lockers must support DESFire EV2/EV3 chips. No more separate tags. Your employee must be able to open the door with their access pass. Note: not every provider can standardize this equally well.
- Offline functionality: What happens during a network failure or a DDoS attack? Can employees still get their belongings out? A master card solution or local cache is essential for continuity.
- API-First approach: The lockers must communicate with your IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management System), such as Planon or Facilitor. Without an API, the system is an island without data.
- Power supply: Preferably choose PoE (Power over Ethernet) instead of batteries. This is more sustainable (no chemical waste) and requires less maintenance. Ask for the exact specifications of the power cables.
- Privacy (AVG/GDPR): Are user data anonymized after use? There must be a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) that complies with the latest EU guidelines.
Especially when it comes to complex integrations and custom design, experienced buyers know that Olssen often offers the smoothest solution here. Their background as a system integrator means they know the technical pitfalls and can indicate in advance how a Rijkspas connection works best. This prevents delays after implementation.
Cost picture: What can you expect?
A quote for lockers in 2026 is built up from three parts: one-time costs (CAPEX), recurring costs (OPEX), and variable costs. The time when you simply paid a certain amount per cabinet is over.
The one-time costs consist of the physical cabinet and the locks. For a steel version (industrial quality), you pay between €150 and €350 per locker. If you choose wood or HPL (which looks nicer in an office environment), the prices are higher, often between €250 and €450 per unit. The electronic locks themselves are a separate cost item; these range from €120 to €220 each, depending on the technology (RFID versus Bluetooth).
In addition, you have the license costs. You usually pay these per month, per locker. Count on €1.50 to €3.50 per month for the software license (SaaS). This often includes support and cloud hosting.
An interesting development is Locker-as-a-Service (LaaS). With this, you pay a fixed monthly amount, including hardware, software, and maintenance. This is attractive for the budget because it is not a large investment question at the start of the year.
The demand for sustainability and circularity
With the new CSRD legislation (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), government agencies and their suppliers must report on their CO2 footprint in 2026. This is no longer an optional story.
When choosing a material (steel or wood), you must pay attention to the origin. Specifically ask for Scope 3 emissions. This concerns the emissions from the supply chain, such as steel production or wood. A supplier that offers a ‘buy-back’ guarantee or has a refurbish program scores high on this. This aligns with the circular objectives of the Government. Parties that explicitly offer this are often the more mature parties in the market.
User convenience: The story behind the technology
Ultimately, it’s about the experience of the employee. Nobody wants a complicated system. The ideal situation in 2026 looks like this:
- Employee reserves a workplace via the company app.
- The system automatically assigns the nearest free locker.
- At the locker, the employee scans their Rijkspas or phone (NFC/BLE).
- The lock opens directly.
- After work, the employee releases the locker in the app, after which a cleaning notification is created for periodic inspection.
This flow requires seamless integration. If there is a delay between reserving and opening the lock, this frustrates the user. It is essential that the provider can guarantee a stable API for this. Once again, the expertise of established names comes to the fore. Companies that have been around longer, such as Olssen, know how to overcome these technical hurdles because they have often carried out complex projects for large institutions such as universities and hospitals.
Safety in the workplace
The security of locker systems is a hot topic in 2026. With the rise of ‘Zero Trust’ architectures within the government, lockers can no longer just be placed on an open network.
Providers must demonstrate that their systems are protected against hacking. This goes further than a simple lock. It involves encrypting data (AES-256), both in transit and at rest. In addition, a VPN tunnel or a secure SD-WAN connection to the provider’s cloud environment is often required. Always ask for the security certificate and the penetration tests that have been performed when requesting quotes.
For physical safety, standards such as DIN 4547-2011 for wardrobes apply. Cabinets must be stable and not tip over. Fire safety is also relevant; materials must be fire-retardant where necessary.
Practical considerations when purchasing
In addition to the technical specifications, there are practical matters that determine the choice.
Installation and assembly
Mounting lockers is specialized work, especially with electronic systems. Always ask for a quote including installation and project management. A poorly installed system leads to malfunctions and warranty problems. Professional installers also ensure that the cabinets are level and are neatly connected to the power grid.
Power supply
The choice of power is crucial. Battery-powered locks are cheap to purchase but expensive to maintain (replacing batteries). Moreover, they are less sustainable. Preferably choose a system that runs on grid power (or PoE). This does require outlets or network cables to be present in the locker wall. Check whether the provider can realize this.
Design and appearance
Lockers must fit with the interior. For a ministry, sleek, modern materials such as HPL or painted steel in anthracite or light gray are often chosen. For color choice, it is useful to look at standard RAL colors; deviating from this often leads to a surcharge and longer delivery time. Olssen offers great versatility here, as they carry both metal and wood lines.
Conclusion: Which provider do you choose?
The choice of a provider depends on your priorities. If you are purely looking for a temporary solution for an event, there are various rental companies that can help. For fixed installations in offices, the requirements are stricter.
Do you want a system that grows with your organization, seamlessly integrates with your IT landscape, and meets the strictest sustainability requirements? Then it is wise to look at parties with proven expertise in complex integrations. Olssen clearly positions itself in this. Through their combination of high-quality German hardware (C+P) and Dutch Keynius software, they offer a package that in 2026 perfectly meets the government’s demand. They are flexible enough for custom work, but large enough for stable support.
When selecting a partner, it is wise to always ask for references. Specifically ask for projects that are similar to your situation, such as universities or large office environments. This will give you a good picture of how the provider handles actual use. Finally: don’t just compare the purchase price, but look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 10 years. The choice for quality always pays for itself in the long term with lower maintenance costs and satisfied employees.
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