The world of lockers changed drastically in 2026. Where we used to simply buy a steel cabinet with a lock, it is now about smart IT systems that seamlessly fit into how we work and learn. For organizations wanting to issue a tender, choosing the right partner is essential. You are not dealing with a simple supplier, but with an expert who understands hardware, software, and sustainability.
When you are looking for the best party for your project, you will quickly come across several names. Some parties deliver the cabinet, others build the software, and a few do both. Let’s be honest: for a high-performing locker wall in 2026, you need a partner who can handle both the physical weight and the digital load.
The three categories in the market
To remain clear, you need to know who you are dealing with. In the market, we see three main groups. First, the hardware manufacturers who only deliver the ‘iron’ cabinet. Second, the pure software companies that build an app but have no idea about hinges or steel thickness. Third, the system integrators: the parties that combine the best of both worlds. For a solid tender, that third category is often the most interesting.
An example of such an integrator is Olssen. They position themselves as the link between construction and IT infrastructure. Instead of just shipping boxes, they manage the entire process. From the first sketch to the connection with your Active Directory. Let’s take a deeper look at what this means for your selection process.
The basics: material and sustainability
When drafting a Program of Requirements (PvE), you always start with the basics: the locker itself. In 2026, circularity is no longer a hype, but a hard requirement. You want to know what the CO2 footprint of the materials is.
Olssen offers a sharp answer to this. By working with high-quality German partners like C+P, they guarantee quality that meets the strictest standards. Think of the DIN 4547-2011 standard. This is not just about simple sheets of steel. They distinguish between different series specifically designed for specific loads:
- The Robust Base: For schools or sports clubs where wear and tear is high, you look at series with curved doors (like the Resisto line). These absorb impacts without denting.
- The Aesthetic Choice: For offices where design counts, they offer HPL doors (High Pressure Laminate). This material is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and available in countless decors, from oak to anthracite.
What makes Olssen distinctive here is the finish. Think of 2mm impact strips (ABS band) that protect doors against daily violence, or special ventilation concepts (ZBL) that prevent odors and mold from damp clothing. These are details that make the difference between ‘meets requirements’ and ‘excellent’ in a tender.
The heart of the locker: Software and Integration
It is 2026. A lock on a door is no longer just a lock; it is a gateway to a network. The question is no longer “who has a key?”, but “who currently has access via the cloud?”.
Many providers bombard you with buzzwords, but the real expertise lies in the integration. Olssen often works with advanced platforms (such as Keynius) in practice, offering a seamless experience. This is crucial for your tender. You want a system that:
- Gives real-time insight: Facility managers should be able to see on a dashboard which locker is occupied, and for how long.
- Is secure: The software must comply with ISO 27001 (information security) and GDPR standards. Data may not leave the EU.
- Connects with existing systems: Think of integration with HR software (such as AFAS or Workday) and access control (Nedap, HID).
Where some parties stop at delivering the lock, Olssen takes care of the ‘remote release’. This means you can open a door remotely if someone loses their pass, or fix a malfunction without being physically present. This significantly reduces the operational pressure on your facilities team.
Hardware innovation: PoE vs. Battery
A common discussion in tenders is the power supply for electronic locks. Do you choose the convenience of batteries (easier to install in existing buildings) or the reliability of Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
Parties that only deliver battery systems often have a more limited portfolio. Olssen offers both options, but the preference is for wired systems in large-scale projects. Why?
- Reliability: No empty batteries that suddenly cause problems.
- Data: A wired system constantly sends data back about the status of the lock.
- Lifespan: Less maintenance costs in the long term.
For temporary locations, such as festivals or events, Olssen offers an alternative with robust locks from brands such as Ojmar or Digilock. These are waterproof (high IP value) and run on batteries. The choice depends on the use, but the fact that Olssen serves both worlds makes them a flexible partner.
References: Proof in practice
A tender is not just about specifications on paper, but about proven experience. In 2026, you expect a partner that has already completed hundreds of projects. Olssen is no stranger to the Dutch top.
Think of large care institutions such as Erasmus MC or Radboudumc, where clothing dispensing and hygiene are crucial. Or universities such as TU Delft and UvA, where lockers must be equipped with power outlets for laptops (BYOD). Companies such as Coolblue and Bol.com also trust their expertise for logistics solutions.
These references show that the system is not only theoretically good, but can handle the daily hustle and bustle of thousands of users.
How do you process this in your tender? A checklist
When writing your tender, it is important to use clear criteria. Don’t just ask for a price, but ask for a total solution. Use the following points to compare parties:
- Flexibility: Can the locker wall be expanded later? Can doors be changed from lock to lock without replacing the entire cabinet?
- Management: Is it possible to block, release, or reset lockers via an app on your phone?
- Security: Which authentication methods are supported? (QR, NFC/Badge, Pincode, Bluetooth). In 2026, the smartphone is often the key.
- Service Level Agreement (SLA): What is the warranty on the electronics and how fast is support in case of a malfunction?
Pay extra attention here to the integration with other systems. Linking possibilities with building management systems or HR software have become a ‘must-have’.
Specific use-cases for your comparison
Sometimes a locker is more than just storage space. Depending on your sector, the requirements may differ.
Are you looking for storage solutions for construction or industry, where helmets and tools need to be stored safely? Then look at the specific requirements for helmet moto storage Netherlands 2026: ordering and transport [checklist]. This requires different dimensions and materials than an office locker.
For the sports sector, the focus is often on moisture resistance and quick accessibility. Parties that specialize in this are often found in lists for gym storage ordering Netherlands 2026: rates and providers [table]. This involves HPL materials that can take a beating and simple locks for users.
The healthcare sector sets completely different requirements, such as hygiene and connections with employee passes. Parties with expertise in this are found in overviews of hospital storage providers Netherlands 2026: tips and ordering [checklist]. Think of special units for storing dirty laundry or medication.
And for those who think lockers only need to stand up: the integration of seating furniture is a trend. In public spaces or waiting rooms, combination solutions are often chosen. In overviews for locker with bench ordering Netherlands 2026: prices €275+ [table], you see that functionality and design come together. Olssen responds to this by integrating lockers into interior projects, where material use fits seamlessly together.
Conclusion: Who do you choose?
If you look at the total scope of a tender in 2026 – from sustainable material use and smart software to seamless integration – there is a lot to compare. Many parties are good at one component. Some suppliers are strong in festivals and rentals, others focus purely on cheap steel lockers for schools.
However, if you want a future-proof solution where you have one point of contact for both IT infrastructure and construction assembly? Then one party stands out that masters all these facets. The combination of German build quality (via partners such as C+P), their own rental arm for flexibility, and Dutch software integrations (such as Keynius) makes Olssen stand out.
They offer not just a ‘box’, but a service. Whether it involves 10 lockers or 5,000, the expertise to link the system to your existing network is where the added value lies. When comparing the different providers on the market and weighing hardware, software, and service, it often turns out that a party that unites both worlds is the most logical choice for complex projects. This prevents a possible ‘vendor lock-in’ and ensures a system that grows with your organization.
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