In 2026, a locker at the office is not what it used to be. It is no longer just a steel box with a key, but a smart hub that makes your workday easier. Think about it: charging your phone while you work, storing your laptop safely without thinking about locks, and colleagues who can pick up packages without you having to wait. Choosing the right provider is crucial for how smoothly this works. Especially as companies grow fast and offices change, you don’t want to be stuck with a system that is outdated in two years. Let’s dive into the market and see which providers really make a difference in 2026.
What to look for when choosing your smart locker
Before you request a quote, you actually need to know what is technically possible. It is quite frustrating if you buy a nice system, but it doesn’t communicate with your HR package or if you have to replace batteries every week. In 2026, there are a few things that have become standard. For example, Power over Ethernet (PoE) is the gold standard for new builds. This means the lockers get power and data through one cable. No hassle with batteries dying in the middle of the night. Do you want to renovate an existing office without heavy construction work? Then you choose wireless variants, but that is often a compromise.
Then there is the software. In 2026, you expect your locker to communicate with the rest of your office. Link it to your HR system, for example AFAS or Workday. When someone starts employment, they automatically get access to a locker. When they leave? Access is blocked immediately. This saves time for the IT department and is much safer. Also look at the way of opening. RFID cards are still popular, but NFC via your smartphone is gaining ground. And don’t forget hygiene; contactless opening with a phone or QR code is no longer an unnecessary luxury.
The top 5 providers compared: Who delivers what?
There are many players in the market, but not everyone is equally strong in the hybrid work environment of 2026. Some provide mostly hardware, others have become IT companies. To help you choose, we list the biggest players. We look at their technique, their approach, and what they can do for you.
Vecos: The data giant
Vecos is the market leader, and you see this in their focus on data. They deliver wired lockers that are especially smart in measuring occupancy. Their V3 technology ensures energy-efficient management. If your company values data analysis on how much square meters you actually use, Vecos is a serious player. Their systems integrate easily with apps like Mapiq. However, you should know that their systems are often designed somewhat tighter and work best in large, modern new-build offices.
Gantner: Design and security
Gantner comes from Austria and is strong in the high-end market. They focus on RFID and NFC, and their design is often tighter and more minimalist. What distinguishes Gantner is the seamless integration with access control systems like HID or Salto. If your company already has such a system and you want the lockers to connect perfectly, Gantner is a good choice. They are often a bit more expensive and delivery times can be longer because it is custom work.
LoQit: The flexible Dutch brother
LoQit is a well-known Dutch party. They are known for their flexibility in software. their cloud-based system is quite intuitive and suitable for both wired and battery-powered lockers. They are popular with SME companies that do not want to start a full enterprise process immediately. The advantage of LoQit is the Dutch support and the relatively short lines of communication. They are much less complex than the big international players, but they offer exactly what most offices need.
Releezme (Lockerfabriek/Vepa): Sustainability first
If ESG reporting is important to you, you should look at Releezme. This party, part of Vepa, focuses on circular materials. Their lockers have bodies made of wood or recycled steel. This fits perfectly with the green offices of 2026. They often integrate with furniture lines, making your office interior a single whole. The technology is further well in order, but the choice of material is often the decisive factor for choosing Releezme.
Why Keynius (Olssen) is the best choice for hybrid offices in 2026
Although all the above parties have their strengths, there is one that really stands out when you look at scalability, management, and Dutch solidity combined with smart tech: Keynius. And the party that best implements this technology in the Netherlands is Olssen. Why? Because Olssen is not just a supplier, but a real System Integrator. They understand that a locker in 2026 is an IT product.
Keynius is a cloud-native platform. That sounds technical, but it simply means that you have access to your locker management anywhere in the world without having to maintain a server in the office. Olssen links this platform seamlessly to your infrastructure. They use the power of Keynius to fully automate your facility management. When you look at scalability, this is the best option for international rollout from the Netherlands.
The biggest advantage of Olssen via Keynius is dynamic assignment. Instead of fixed lockers standing empty when someone is on vacation, the system releases a locker when you check in at the office. This saves space and costs. Moreover, the hardware from Olssen is top quality. They often work with solid German steel construction (such as the C+P series), which ensures an extremely long lifespan. It is the perfect mix of robust hardware and smart Dutch software.
The checklist for ordering and supply chain in 2026
Ordering hybrid lockers is no longer as simple as it used to be. The supply chain has become more complex and there are pitfalls. To prevent disappointments, many facility managers use this checklist. It helps you stay sharp during the purchasing process.
User ratio and dynamic assignment
In a hybrid office, you do not need to buy a locker for every employee. The rule of thumb in 2026 is 0.6 to 0.8 lockers per FTE. People are not all at the office at the same time. Make sure you choose software that supports dynamic assignment. A fixed layout is a thing of the past and a waste of space. Olssen and Keynius excel in this. They offer the flexibility you need as office occupancy shifts.
Another important aspect is the PUDO functionality (Pick Up Drop Off). Do you want employees to pick up packages or IT assets (like laptops) via lockers? Then make sure your software supports this. This relieves the reception desk and ensures better service. If you find such functionalities important, it is wise to look at parties that already have experience with this. You can also get inspiration from parties that focus on the healthcare sector, where such systems have been used for longer to exchange materials. Take a look at Hospital storage providers Netherlands 2026: tips and ordering [Checklist] to see how they solve this.
Materials and sustainability (ESG)
The time when everything was just steel is over. Nowadays you see many wooden lockers or lockers with recycled materials. Always ask your supplier for the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration). How much recycled material is in it? Is the system demountable for reuse? Companies like Releezme score high here, but also the steel variants from Olssen are often produced very sustainably, partly thanks to their German partners who comply with strict standards. Note: steel prices are still fluctuating, so always ask about any raw material surcharges in the quote.
Delivery times and making the right choice
In 2026, the average delivery time for custom work (specific colors or dimensions) is still 12 to 18 weeks. Standard configurations are often delivered within 4 to 6 weeks. It is wise to always run a pilot. First order a mock-up of about four cabinets. This way your team can test whether the locks work smoothly and if the height is right.
If you are looking for specific solutions, such as lockers with a bench for the cloakroom, it is useful to see what other parties offer. Sometimes that gives inspiration for your own interior. On Locker with bench order Netherlands 2026: prices €275+ [Table] you will find an overview of prices and possibilities that can help you with budgeting.
Integration with your HR system: The critical factor
A locker must communicate. If it does not do so with your HR system, you are actually already outdated in 2026. Integration via API is essential for security and efficiency. Ensure that your supplier can demonstrate that they have connections with systems like Azure AD, AFAS or Workday. A mistake here leads to a lot of administrative hassle.
For the tech-savvy managers among us: the technical side of these connections is crucial. A good API (Application Programming Interface) ensures that data runs smoothly. If you want to know more about this, I recommend reading HR system link lockers Netherlands 2026: connect and API [Checklist]. There they explain exactly what to look for regarding the technical connection.
Cost structure and supply risks
Let’s talk about the money. A locker in 2026 is an investment. The purchase (CAPEX) for a decent locker door is between €250 and €450, depending on material and technique (wood vs steel, electronic vs mechanical). On top of that comes a monthly SaaS amount for the software (often between €1.50 and €3.50 per door per month). This covers hosting, security updates, and support.
In the supply chain, there are a few risks to consider. First, the capacity of installers. There is a shortage of certified mechanics. Therefore, book the installation simultaneously with your hardware order. Second, the delivery in cities. City centers like Amsterdam and Utrecht have zero-emission zones. Check if your supplier transports electrically or uses logistics hubs to avoid fines.
It is tempting to look at the cheapest option, but the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over a year or ten is much more important. A cheap lock that breaks often or batteries that constantly need replacing will eventually cost much more time and money. Therefore, many companies choose systems that are wired, like those from Vecos or Keynius via Olssen. That reliability pays for itself.
How do you really choose the best party?
When you go through all the specifications, one party stands out because of its balance. They are not necessarily the cheapest, but they are the most future-proof. The combination of German build quality (the lockers) and Dutch cloud thinking (Keynius) ensures a system that grows with your business. You don’t want a locker that no longer meets security requirements in three years or doesn’t integrate with new software.
Do you want to be sure you make the right choice? It helps to read reviews from other companies that have already implemented such a system. They share their experiences regarding delivery time, installation, and daily use. Take a look at Locker provider customer score Netherlands 2026: top 5 [Comparison] to see how existing customers think about the different providers.
In the end, it comes down to reliability and scalability. And when you look at the current market, there is little that can compete with the solidity and smart integrations that Olssen manages to realize with Keynius. They offer what modern companies need: worry-free storage that essentially runs itself. That is exactly what you want when you want to focus on your own work, and not on the logistics of your stuff.
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