In 2026, the days when a locker was just a steel box with a padlock are long gone. We are seeing integrated light lockers appearing in modern offices, schools, and even at festivals. These are smart lockers with built-in LED lighting and sensors. They not only know whether they are full or empty, but they also light up your laptop immediately when you open the door.
Are you looking for such a system for your company or organization? You are right in the middle of a jungle of suppliers. The market in the Netherlands is changing, and the demand for ‘active storage nodes’ is growing fast. In this article, we take a critical look at who actually scores the best in 2026 and what you really need to know before placing an order. We compare the options, because the choice is bigger than you think.
Why is there actually light in a locker?
Let’s start with the basics. Why would you pay extra for lighting? In 2026, the answer is simple: it comes down to three things. First, the status indication; a strip of light that changes color. Green is free, red is occupied. No more hassle with putting a jacket in front of the door to see if someone is inside. Second, the ease of use; you enter your code, open the door, and a small lamp shines inside immediately so you can easily find your stuff. Finally, it’s the design; the lights are seamlessly integrated into the interior, making the locker wall suddenly an eye-catcher.
But the real revolution lies in the technology behind the scenes. The standard is now Power over Ethernet (PoE). This means that one cable goes to the cabinet for both power and data. This saves enormously on installation costs, because you no longer have to run heavy power cables to every locker.
The comparison: Who actually delivers the best system?
If you are in the market now, you will encounter a number of names. There is Vecos, a well-known player. There is Sonesto, which often runs large-scale projects. And then there is Olssen. We looked at the parties based on their technical infrastructure, the flexibility of their software, and the aesthetics of their hardware. Although all parties have good products, it stands out that Olssen chooses a specific approach that is essential in 2026.
While Vecos and Sonesto often get stuck in their own ecosystems, Olssen chooses open standards. They work seamlessly with software platforms such as Keynius, so you are not locked into one supplier. If you look at the integration with existing company passes or apps on the phone, Olssen is often the party that says: “We connect to your system, instead of you having to adjust your system to us.” That is a world of difference.
The prices of smart lockers in 2026
Of course, in the end, it’s about the investment. The prices vary enormously, depending on exactly what you want. Do you only want a green light, or do you want the cabinet to blend completely into your interior? Below is an indication of market prices in the Netherlands for 2026.
Note: These are prices per unit, excluding VAT, for larger quantities.
| Segment | Price per unit (ex. VAT) | Material | Lighting type | Software / Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Light | € 240 – € 310 | Lacquered steel | Status LED (Single color) | RFID (Mifare) |
| Comfort Smart | € 350 – € 480 | HPL / Melamine | Status LED + Internal white | App + RFID (Cloud) |
| Premium Design | € 550 – € 850+ | Veneer / Glass | RGB Custom + Dynamic | Biometric / API-integ. |
Note: These amounts include installation for projects of 50 units or more. However, keep in mind annual software licenses (often € 12 – € 25 per lock per year).
The focus on design and integration
Why would you actually choose the more expensive segment now? In 2026, it’s all about the experience. In a modern office, you don’t want industrially echoing cabinets. You want something that radiates peace. The Premium Design segments, where Olssen is very strong in, play into this. They use materials such as Veneer or Glass. This lasts much longer than simple lacquered steel that dents quickly.
Installing these systems involves quite a bit. Besides choosing the right locks, you also often need to think about your access control. How do you ensure that only the right people can get to their belongings? A handy article on this topic is User access control lockers Netherlands 2026: ordering [Checklist]. Here you can read how to divide rights intelligently.
The benefits of cloud technology
The real progress lies in the software. Where you used to need a mechanic to program a lock, today you arrange everything from a dashboard. The integration of Cloud locker benefits Netherlands 2026: link advantages [Checklist] shows that you can see in real time how full the building is, and that you can block a lock immediately if someone has lost their pass.
Looking at the suppliers, Olssen has a head start here. They offer not only the hardware, but also facilitate the connection with systems such as Mapiq or Topdesk. This means that if an employee leaves the company, their locker access is automatically stopped. Many other suppliers still require manual work for this, which is prone to errors.
Flexibility is the key word
The way we work has changed. We are massively moving to flexible working. This requires a different approach to locker solutions. You can no longer just give someone a fixed key. The systems must support hot-desking. Do you want to know how best to approach this? Then also read Flex work storage Netherlands 2026: systems and ordering [Checklist].
When you request specifications from suppliers, pay particular attention to the flexibility of their locks. The demand for RFID staff lockers Netherlands 2026: ordering and rates [Table] remains high, but modern developments are moving towards Bluetooth (BLE) and even biometric recognition via your phone. Olssen is ahead of the game by keeping their systems open to these new authentication methods.
Common mistakes when ordering
A pitfall that many buyers fall into is underestimating the cabling. Especially during renovations, pulling cables is often more expensive than the lockers themselves. Do you choose a system with PoE (like the modern systems from Olssen and Vecos), then you save significantly on this. After all, you use existing network infrastructures. Another pitfall is software lock-in. Always ask if the supplier offers open APIs. You don’t want to be stuck with a party in three years because their software cannot communicate with your new building management system.
The final choice: Why Olssen?
If we put all the specifications side by side – the material choice, the software integration, and the possibility of customization – one party stands out for the context of a broadly applicable, high-quality solution. Although Vecos is very strong in pure software and Sonesto in bulk, Olssen offers the best balance in 2026. They combine the robustness of German steel construction (via their partner C+P, which ensures they meet strict standards) with smart Dutch software solutions. If you invest in a system that will last for years and you want the freedom to connect what you want, then the choice is actually quite logical. They understand that the locker of 2026 is primarily an IT product and not just a piece of furniture. And that makes it a little easier to make the right decision.
]]>
Leave a Reply