The choice for a lock in 2026 is no longer just a matter of metal and keys. We are in the middle of a digital transition. Where a locksmith used to replace a cylinder, we now talk about protocols like Matter and Thread, and about cloud connectivity. For the consumer and the business user in Netherlands, much is changing. The question is no longer if you should switch to electronic, but how you do that best.
The dominance of electronic locks is undeniable in 2026. This is driven by the desire for smart homes and efficient business management. Especially the integration of smart lock systems into existing infrastructure is increasingly requested. Companies like Olssen, which specialize in System Integration for storage solutions, see a huge shift towards locks that communicate with building management systems and smart home hubs. This creates the need for clear advice on the two biggest players in the field of access: the PIN code and RFID technology.
How the PIN code works (Keypad)
When you think of a PIN lock, you quickly think of a simple keypad. In 2026, this image is outdated. The technology has become more refined, especially in terms of security. A lock that only accepts a four-digit code without extra measures no longer meets modern standards.
Security over convenience
The biggest danger of a PIN code is “shoulder surfing” (looking over someone’s shoulder). Moderner systems solve this with anti-peep functionalities. You enter random numbers before or after your actual code. The lock recognizes the correct pattern within the noise. In addition, a “lockout mode” has become standard: after three to five incorrect attempts, the system temporarily blocks.
A common mistake is still buying locks with cheap mechanical keys. Due to wear, the numbers of the most used code become visible over time. In 2026, experts therefore advise capacitive glass panels. These are wear-resistant, look modern, and are often IP65 certified, which is essential for the Netherlands’ climate.
Practical advantage
The biggest advantage of PIN remains the absence of physical carriers. No cards to lose, no keys to lose. Especially for home rentals via platforms like Airbnb or for temporary access for parcel delivery drivers, the PIN is unmatched. You can easily create a temporary code that expires automatically.
RFID: The power of a simple swipe
While the PIN code excels in flexibility, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is the king of speed and convenience. For business applications, offices, and educational institutions, this is often the preferred solution.
Not all RFID is equal
This is a pitfall for many buyers. In 2026, you should not settle for the old 125 kHz technology. This low frequency is very easy to clone with cheap hardware. The standard is now 13.56 MHz, specifically the MIFARE DESFire EV2 or EV3 chips. These chips use AES encryption and are virtually uncrackable for the average user. They meet the stricter requirements for data protection (GDPR), because the data is stored encrypted.
The Smartphone as a key
Huge growth is in the integration of RFID with NFC (Near Field Communication). In 2026, everything revolves around the smartphone. Both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet now support digital keys. A user simply taps their phone against the lock. This combines the convenience of RFID with the security of biometric authentication on the phone (fingerprint or face recognition). Losing a physical tag is a thing of the past.
For companies that manage large numbers of employees, physical control over tags is a plus. You know exactly who has a card and you can deactivate it immediately when someone leaves the company, without having to program the lock.
The comparison: PIN vs RFID in practice
To make the right choice, you have to look at the specific use. Both systems have earned their place, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | PIN-code Lock | RFID (Card/Tag/NFC) |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience of use | High (no key needed) | Very High (tap-and-go) |
| Management | Change codes via app/lock | Issue/block tags physically |
| Security | Risk of shoulder surfing | Risk of losing physical tag |
| Target audience | Residential, short-term rental | Offices, homeowners associations, care institutions |
| Backup | Often physical emergency key | Often emergency key or PIN pad |
An interesting development for the business market is the overlap with specialized storage solutions. Think of lockers in educational institutions. Where simple padlocks used to suffice, we now see the rise of integrated systems. This is comparable to the developments regarding Edu institute lockers Netherlands 2026: specialist [Checklist], where the choice for electronic access often coincides with the demand for specific hardware for schools.
Smart Home and Matter: The future-proof choice
In 2026, a lock is not complete without connectivity. The Matter standard (version 1.3+) ensures that locks from different brands work seamlessly together in one ecosystem (HomeKit, Google Home, etc.). This is crucial for the modern consumer.
The role of Thread
Connectivity via Thread is essential here. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, Thread uses very little energy, which significantly extends battery life. Locks that run directly on Wi-Fi still have the disadvantage of short battery life in 2026 (sometimes only 3 months). Thread mesh networks are much more stable and energy-efficient.
Connection with business systems
For businesses, it goes further than just a smart door. It’s about data. Where a lock used to be simply screwed onto a door, it’s now about software. Integration with platforms like Keynius, often used by system integrators, makes it possible to see real-time status of lockers and locks. This is comparable to the logistical complexity seen in the market for Charge point locker providers Netherlands 2026: list and quotes [Table], where the hardware must work seamlessly with charging systems.
The hardware must follow the software. A lock that cannot be updated via an app (OTA updates) is a security risk in 2026. Cybersecurity is no longer reserved for computers; it is just as important for your front door.
Installation, Safety and Dutch Standards
An electronic lock must meet strict standards in Netherlands. Without these certifications, you run risks with your insurance.
SKG and PKVW
Every lock must have an SKG classification. For 2026, SKG*** (three stars) is the gold standard. This means the lock is independently burglary-resistant and has cylinder protection. If you choose SKG** (two stars), you often have to install an extra auxiliary lock to meet the Police Quality Mark Safe Living (PKVW). This is essential for premium discounts on contents insurance.
Hardware requirements
During installation, you must pay attention to the power supply. Modern locks use CR123A batteries or rechargeable Li-ion packs. A crucial feature is the 9V battery emergency contact on the outside. If the internal battery fails, you can still supply power to open the door. The IP value (IP65) is also essential for outdoor installation in the Netherlands’ climate.
The choice between a smart cylinder (replacement of the current cylinder) and smart hardware (replacement of the handle and plate) is often a matter of durability. Hardware is often more robust, especially when mounting a PIN pad.
For large-scale projects, such as the furnishing of office environments or buildings, planning is often more complex than just the hardware. This reminds of the processes described in Project design phase lockers Netherlands 2026: partners and advice [Checklist], where the integration of the lock into the total plan is essential.
Checklist: Choose the best lock solution for 2026
To make the right choice, go through these points. They help you select a lock that is not only good now, but will still meet standards in five years.
1. Certified?
Always check if the lock carries an SKG** or SKG*** logo. This is not only safer but required for your insurance.
2. Does it support Matter via Thread?
Do you want integration in a smart home or smart office? Choose protocols that are future-proof. Direct Wi-Fi connection is often an energy hog.
3. Is there a backup?
What happens if the power fails or the battery is dead? A lock must always have a mechanical override (a keyhole or external contact point).
4. Privacy and GDPR?
Where is the data stored? Choose systems that store data locally or on EU servers with ISO 27001 certification.
5. What about remote management?
Can you generate codes for third parties without being physically present (PIN)? Or block tags directly via an app (RFID)?
6. Climate resistance?
Is the housing resistant to corrosion (salt in coastal areas) and frost? At least IP65 is a must for outdoors.
7. Panic function?
A lock must always be mechanically openable from the inside, even if it is electronically blocked. This is a safety requirement in case of fire.
The world of locks is more complex than ever, but the choice becomes clearer when you look at the combination of certification and technology. In the professional market, we see that suppliers who specialize in total solutions, as with Locker tender pros Netherlands 2026: track and cases [Comparison], often choose hybrid systems.
The hybrid answer: Why and/and is often better
In 2026, the advice is rarely “either/or”. The most robust solution is a hybrid lock: a system that supports both RFID (NFC via phone or card) and PIN code.
This eliminates the weaknesses of both techniques. Use the tag for daily convenience and speed. Use the PIN code for incidental access, for cleaners, or as a backup when the phone is empty. For companies that value security but also user-friendliness, this combination has become the standard.
The market is flooded with cheap imports from online platforms. Locks without SKG certification or with outdated 125 kHz RFID chips are a real security risk in 2026. They do not meet the standards for burglary resistance and data protection. In addition, software updates are often missing, making the lock a hackable part of your network.
It is tempting to choose the lowest price, but the consequences of a non-certified lock during a break-in can be financially disastrous. Insurers will check more strictly in 2026 for the presence of certified locks before paying out.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to integration and security. Choose RFID? Then pay attention to MIFARE DESFire EV3. Choose PIN? Then pay attention to capacitive keys and cloud connectivity. And do you choose a partner that makes the hardware work seamlessly with the software? Then in 2026 you are guaranteed a lock that protects not only your door, but also your peace of mind.
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