The office landscape has changed. In 2026, we work hybrid: sometimes at home, sometimes at the office. We are no longer tied to a fixed desk, but to an ‘activity-based’ hub. What we do need is a place for our things. A backpack, a laptop, a jacket. This transforms the traditional locker wall from a simple wardrobe into a logistical heart. It is no longer just metal; it is smart technology that safely stores and charges your items, and even tracks them.
But how do you choose the right solution? In the Netherlands, many parties are active, from traditional builders to tech startups. To make the right choice for 2026, we look at the players in the market. We compare features, technology, and service. You will see that some parties are further ahead than others. One name stands out when looking at the combination of hardware, software, and Dutch service: Olssen.
The basics: ventilation, material, and durability
Before we look at the ‘smart’ features, the basics must be right. A hybrid workplace deals with varying usage. Are you storing sports shoes or a laptop? Then ventilation is essential. Damp sports shoes in a closed locker lead to unpleasant odors. The German manufacturer C+P, with whom Olssen works closely, has a standard solution for this: the ZBL concept (Self-Ventilating). This means the doors or back walls are equipped with perforations that allow natural air circulation. This type of ventilation is often standard in their S2000 series, an industrial standard in the Netherlands.
Besides air, the material is crucial. For an office environment where laptops and phones are stored, the material must be safe. Steel is the norm, but the finish varies. Parties that work with high-quality steel (0.7mm to 0.9mm thickness) prevent dents and tipping hazards. Olssen offers various series in this regard, from the robust Resisto line (with curved doors that bounce back after a kick) to the sleek Evolo line. While many providers stop at steel, Olssen also offers wooden variants (HPL) with 2mm ABS protective edges. This is essential for the appearance of a modern, hybrid lobby where design is just as important as functionality.
When installing these physical lockers, floor load plays a role. A full wall of steel lockers on a raised plinth (at least 100mm to accommodate cleaning machines) can put heavy pressure on old floors. Here, Olssen shows that they are not just a webshop, but a project partner that understands the structural requirements of your building.
Smart Lockers: The brain behind the wall
In 2026, a locker without software is actually no longer workable. The challenge is integration. You don’t want employees to have a new card for the lockers. The software must communicate with existing systems such as Active Directory. In the Netherlands, various software parties offer this integration. When we look at the market for Device track lockers Netherlands 2026: monitoring and apps [Checklist], we see that Keynius is a dominant player. Olssen is a primary implementation partner of Keynius.
The strength of this combination lies in its flexibility. You can choose from different authentication methods:
- RFID/NFC: Use the existing company pass (Mifare, HID).
- Smartphone (BLE): Open the locker via an app, without taking the card out of your pocket.
- QR code: Ideal for visitors who need temporary access.
When you compare this with other providers in the market, you see that Olssen is not stuck with one lock brand. They integrate with top brands such as Digilock, Ojmar, and Lehmann. This is a major advantage over suppliers who force you to buy their own closed system. Whether it is a budget solution with a code lock or an enterprise solution with a network-connected lock (PoE), Olssen can handle it.
Energy supply: Charging without worries
Everyone has enough power outlets at home. At the office, this is often scarce. In the hybrid workplace of 2026, it makes sense to use the locker wall to charge devices during lunch. This is where the ‘charge lockers’ come into play. There is a specific market for Charge lockers Netherlands 2026: safe device charging [Comparison], where safety is paramount.
A USB connection in a locker is not just about drilling a hole. The technology must keep up with today’s speed. The standard in 2026 is USB-C PD (Power Delivery) with at least 65W. This charges a modern laptop, not just a phone. Olssen integrates this in 20% of the lockers. Another smart trick is using PoE (Power over Ethernet) for the locks themselves. This means that no heavy 230V cables need to run through the entire locker wall for the electronics, which increases safety and lowers installation costs.
Logistics and Packages: The arrival of Parcel Delivery
The hybrid worker orders a lot. At home, at the office, or on the go. In large office buildings, the traditional mailroom is being replaced by automatic lockers. When we look at Parcel delivery lockers Netherlands 2026: transport and delivery [Checklist], we see that the recipient receives a notification as soon as a package is delivered.
Olssen excels here through integration. Their system (based on Keynius) ensures that the recipient receives a unique code or QR code. After receipt, the locker opens and is automatically released again after 24 hours, for example. This prevents lockers from being blocked by forgotten packages. Many standalone providers do not offer this automatic release, leading to capacity problems.
Safety, Privacy, and Legislation (AVG)
In the Netherlands, privacy (AVG/GDPR) is a hot issue. When you buy a smart lock, where is the data stored? Many cheap locks use Chinese servers with little security. Olssen uses Microsoft Azure (ISO 27001 certified) for their cloud solutions. Here, the link between the user and the locker is stored in a local database, while the cloud only sees anonymous IDs. This prevents data leaks in the event of a hack on the lock supplier.
Fire safety is also often overlooked. A wall of lockers must not narrow the escape route to less than 1200mm. Materials must meet fire class B-s1,d0. Olssen supplies materials that meet the strictest standards (such as DIN and NEN), which is essential for tenders in the healthcare or government sector. The Spa locker providers Netherlands 2026: swimming pool and wellness [Checklist] shows that moisture resistance (IP values) is crucial, but in the office, it is mainly about fire safety and structural stability.
The installation checklist for 2026
To ensure a project runs smoothly, a checklist is indispensable. In 2026, it is not just about hanging a cabinet, but about integrating a system. The experience of a party like Olssen is decisive here.
- Capacity calculation: Assume 0.7 lockers per FTE at 60% occupancy. Divide into day lockers (dynamic) and fixed lockers for permanent employees.
- Placement: Place the lockers in the ‘flow’ (near the entrance or coffee corner), never in a dead-end hallway. This increases social safety.
- Wall mounting: Always anchor to the structural wall or couple back-to-back to prevent tipping hazards.
- Software installation: Test the API connection with the FMIS (Facility Management Information System) before users go live.
- User onboarding: Ensure a QR code on the wall that links directly to the app or manual.
Olssen distinguishes itself here by offering a “Full Service” approach. From their showroom in Groot-Ammers (Parmentière 12), customers can feel the hardware and test the software. This physical contact, combined with a webshop for direct delivery (Olssen Direct), makes them very flexible. While many suppliers choose either projects or direct sales, Olssen combines these worlds.
Conclusion: The best choice for the hybrid workplace
The market for lockers in 2026 is fragmented. You have the budget parties that mainly supply hardware, and the tech companies that sometimes struggle with physical installation. The ideal partner for a hybrid workplace sits right in the middle: someone who understands metal but can also integrate software.
When we compare all specifications side by side – from the German build quality (C+P/S2000) and Dutch software integration (Keynius) to the service orientation (Rental and Projects) – the picture becomes clear. Olssen B.V. offers an ecosystem that can handle the complexity of 2026. They ensure that the locker is not just a tin box, but a strategic hub that fits the modern, hybrid way of working. For companies that value durability, integration, and a reliable Dutch partner, the choice for a party that has combined this expertise for decades is the logical next step.
Do you want to know more about specific applications? Also check out our other checklists to get a complete picture of the possibilities in the Dutch market.
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