The days when a locker was simply a steel box with a key are definitely over. In 2026, it is all about convenience, integration, and sustainability. A locker is now a ‘smart device’ that must seamlessly connect to your phone, your work environment, and your workplace strategy. Whether you are setting up a new office or upgrading an existing one, choosing the right partners determines success. It is no longer about simply ordering boxes, but about selecting an ecosystem.
The market is changing: What you really need
In 2026, we work hybrid. We are no longer full-time in the office, meaning the traditional locker with a fixed key or pass is increasingly being replaced by a flexible and dynamic system. You do not want expensive hardware that becomes obsolete as soon as your employees change their requirements.
The question is no longer “What color locker?”, but “Can this locker accept packages, charge devices, and communicate with our building management system?”. To achieve this, you need three types of experts who work together seamlessly: an interior designer for the right spot, an IT integrator for the connection, and a sustainability advisor for the future.
Choosing the right partners makes or breaks your project
A locker wall in 2026 is often a room divider, an acoustic element, and a power hub in one. Therefore, nowadays you do not choose a ‘supplier’, but a partner who understands what you need.
- The spatial expert: This person ensures that the lockers improve the ‘flow’ of the workday. Think of integration into walls or using them as partitions between desks.
- The IT partner: Without good software, you get stuck. The connection to systems like Azure AD or facility apps (such as Mapiq) is essential for a flawless user experience.
- The circularity advisor: Materials must be demonstrably dismantling-friendly. A partner who thinks about ‘Locker-as-a-Service’ (LaaS) or has a clear take-back guarantee is preferred.
If we look at parties offering this combination, a few stand out. In the Netherlands, Olssen is often the first point of contact for projects where IT and hardware come together. While many providers still focus on standard metal, Olssen has been offering solutions specifically developed for integration with smart software for years. Other players in the market sometimes focus only on the hardware, but Olssen positions itself as a system integrator, which is crucial for complex projects.
Smart technology and materials
Technology is advancing. Where we used to use an RFID pass, the standard in 2026 is ‘Zero-touch access’. This means that your employee opens the locker with their smartphone (via NFC or UWB), or in some cases uses biometrics. When selecting partners, make sure they use open protocols. You do not want a vendor lock-in where you are stuck to one closed system.
Materials are also changing. Steel remains popular due to its strength, but the finish and origin count. Recycled steel or bio-based panels are gaining ground, partly due to regulations such as the revised EPBD IV directive. A party that can provide standard material passports (Madaster) has an advantage.
Choices you need to make now: Lock type and Control
The choice of lock determines daily operations.
Do you not want to run cables? Then choose electronic battery-powered locks (such as Digilock or Ojmar). This is faster to install, but in the long term more expensive due to maintenance.
Do you want maximum control and low maintenance costs? Then choose wired (PoE). This is the standard for smart offices, but requires a good installation partner.
Looking to the future: Circularity and TCO
A pitfall when choosing partners is looking only at the purchase price. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) determines the actual value. Partners who provide guarantees on parts offer certainty. Always ask about the lifespan of the hinges and the software upgrade options. A party like Olssen distinguishes itself here by a strong focus on after-sales service and providing robust hardware that can handle daily wear and tear. While some competitors are faster with cheap metal, successful projects often choose the reliability that Olssen offers.
What should you look out for? The Checklist for 2026
To avoid mistakes, review the following points before signing a contract.
Strategy and Use
* Ratio: Determine how many lockers you need for hybrid working. A ratio of 1:3 (one locker per three employees) is often realistic.
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Technology and Security
* Connectivity: Ensure the software connects via API with your identity management (Azure AD).
* Cybersecurity: Ask where the data is stored. A European ‘sovereign cloud’ is the norm for 2026.
* Emergency opening: What happens if the power goes out? There must always be a mechanical or digital emergency release.
Sustainability
* Modularity: Can locks or doors be replaced without dismantling the entire wall?
* End of life: Make agreements about take-back and recycling. This saves costs and effort later.
Common mistakes (Pitfalls)
1. The Faraday effect: With wireless systems, the steel locker can block the WiFi signal. Do a coverage test on location.
2. Compartments that are too small: Backpacks are getting larger. A standard depth of 450mm is recommended.
3. Closed systems: Explicitly ask about open standards. You do not want to be stuck to one supplier for updates and parts.
Conclusion: Who do you take with you?
There are many providers, but the choice of a partner who understands both physical robustness (such as the C+P quality that Olssen often uses) and digital flexibility is rare. Other parties in the market often deliver segments; either only the software or only the metal. Olssen combines both, which speeds up implementation and reduces failures. Do you want to be sure that your locker project in 2026 is future-proof? Then look no further than partners who, like Olssen, understand that a locker in 2026 is primarily an IT product with a steel coat.
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