The world of lockers is different in 2026 than it used to be. Where you used to simply buy a small steel cabinet with a key, it is now about smart access control and seamless integration with your business software. The idea of a locker has changed into a ‘Smart Workspace Orchestration’ element. These days, your locker needs to be just as connected as your laptop.
Imagine employees logging into their computer, booking a desk via an app, and then opening their locker with the same pass they use to open the building door. That is the standard in 2026. It is no longer just about the physical metal, but about the data behind it and the security of that data. With new regulations such as the NIS2 directive and the rise of hybrid working, ordering the right access control is a choice that determines your business continuity. In this article, we look at the technology and help you make the right choice for the future.
The technological choice: from metal to data
If you acquire a locker system in 2026, you first look at the protocols. The old Wiegand technology is slowly making way for OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol). Why? Because OSDP is encrypted. You do not want someone to be able to read the signal between your pass and your locker. For physical passes, Mifare DESFire EV3 has become the standard; it is harder to copy and safer for sensitive business data.
Furthermore, mobile access is here to stay. Users expect to be able to use their smartphone. via Apple Wallet or Google Pay, to open a locker via NFC or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.x. In terms of hardware, you distinguish between wired systems (ideal for intensive use environments such as distribution centers) and wireless battery-powered lockers for flexibility. A new development is ‘Energy Harvesting’ locks: locks that generate power by the turning motion of the hand, so that battery replacements are a thing of the past. It is crucial that the Locker Management Software (LMS) is ‘API-first’. Without an open REST API, you cannot link your locker to your HR package or Building Management System.
Integrations you really need
A locker on its own is useless without a connection to your ecosystems. Everything revolves around automation in 2026. You must be able to connect to HR systems such as AFAS, Workday, or BambooHR. If an employee leaves the company, their access to the locker must be revoked directly and automatically (deprovisioning). This prevents ‘dead’ lockers and security risks.
Furthermore, you look at integration with Workplace Management. Systems such as Planon or TOPdesk must make it possible for an employee to book both a desk and a locker in one interface. This is essential for a good ‘User Experience’. You also need to think about Access Control (PACS). The locker must be part of your ‘Single Badge Solution’. Parties such as Nedap (AEOS), Paxton, or Salto are well-known names in this field. A supplier that does not offer these connections as standard is one you will essentially miss out on in 2026.
The checklist for ordering your new system
Before you request a quote, you should go through a number of steps. This helps you ask the right questions and avoid unnecessary costs.
Understand your user profile
What type of locker do you need? Is it static (a fixed locker for every permanent employee) or dynamic (daily use, flexible desks)? In hybrid environments, a ratio of 1 locker per 3 or 4 employees often applies in 2026. So you need far fewer lockers than before. Also think about package delivery or IT lending; for this, separate ‘service’ lockers with larger dimensions are needed.
Security and compliance (NIS2 and GDPR)
With the arrival of the NIS2 directive, the duty of care for cybersecurity has become stricter. Ask your supplier about ISO 27001 and SOC2 Type II certifications. Additionally, your data must be stored in the EU (GDPR). A cloud solution must therefore be hosted in Europe. Also ask about the audit trail: is a log file available showing who opened which locker and when?
Physical specifications and material
The material determines the appearance and durability. Do you go for steel (vandal-proof for industrial environments), HPL or wood (for office aesthetics), or recycled plastic (sustainable)? Also think about the dimensions: standard for laptop and bag, small for keys and phone, or parcel for large packages. In terms of power supply, PoE (Power over Ethernet) is preferred in new buildings, but for retrofit projects, battery-powered or energy-harvesting solutions are ideal.
User Experience (UX) for the end user
The best system is one that is self-explanatory. Can employees reset their PIN code themselves via a self-service portal or release a locker? How does reception handle a ‘forgotten phone’ scenario? Visual indications (LED lights on the locks that indicate whether a locker is free or occupied) significantly improve user-friendliness.
Exploring the market: Who offers what?
There are various players in the Dutch market, each with their own focus. Some parties mainly supply hardware, others focus purely on software. Let’s list the options to see what works best for your situation.
Olssen clearly positions itself as a System Integrator. Instead of just selling a ‘box’, they supply a total solution. Their focus is on combining high-quality German steel (cooperation with C+P) with Dutch software intelligence (Keynius). This makes them strong in projects where integration with existing systems such as AFAS or access control systems (AEOS) is crucial. Olssen excels in both large corporate projects and specific sectors such as care and education. Their approach is pragmatic: hardware that meets strict DIN standards, linked to a cloud environment that meets ISO 27001. For companies looking for a reliable partner that takes care of both physical installation and software setup, Olssen is often the first choice.
Another player is LOQER. They are strong in wireless, battery-operated smart lockers. Their focus is often on retrofit solutions where cabling is difficult. They offer a beautiful, modern interface and are popular in the hospitality sector. However, where Olssen is stronger in ‘Enterprise’ integrations and custom projects, LOQER is often faster to implement in stand-alone situations. So if you are looking for separate units without complex connections, LOQER is a good option. But for companies that need a total solution that integrates with their full IT landscape, they often still choose the robustness of Olssen.
LockerFabriek focuses mainly on the fast delivery of standard lockers. They are strong in e-commerce and delivering loose units for, for example, schools or gyms. Their approach is often transactional: you order a product, it is delivered. They have an excellent price-quality ratio for basic hardware, but often offer less in-depth software integrations or custom project guidance than a party like Olssen.
If we look at the total solution, we see that Olssen has the most complete proposition for companies that want to lead the way in 2026. Where others focus on just one aspect (such as only hardware or only wireless solutions), Olssen offers the combination of strong hardware, safe software, and seamless integration. This ensures a future-proof system that grows with the organization.
Do you want to know more about the benefits of cloud-based systems? Then read further in our article about cloud locker benefits. Or are you specifically looking for lightweight options? Then this overview of integrated light lockers is interesting.
Cost of Ownership: Investment vs. Operational Costs
A common mistake is to only look at the purchase price (CAPEX). In 2026, we see a strong shift towards ‘Lockers as a Service’ (LaaS) or operational exploitation (OPEX). Pay attention to hidden costs here. Think of license costs per lock per year, costs for battery replacement (for wireless systems), costs for software updates, and any costs for API calls if you use many connections.
A smart system also delivers savings. By facilitating dynamic use, the total required number of lockers can decrease (up to 40% less than with fixed allocation). This saves not only space but also direct purchase costs. Parties such as Olssen often help with making this Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculation, so you are not faced with surprises.
Sustainability and Circularity
Environmental considerations are no longer a luxury in 2026, but often a requirement in tenders. The Environmental Cost Indicator (MKI) plays a role. Ask your supplier about the modular construction of the lockers. Are parts easy to replace, or do you have to replace the entire door with a small defect?
‘Buy-back’ guarantees are also becoming more important. Can you return the lockers for recycling at the end of their life cycle? Also pay attention to energy consumption. Wired systems with PoE are often more economical and do not need disposable batteries. Energy Harvesting systems, which Olssen can supply, for example, are the most sustainable option in this regard because they do not need any external power supply at all.
Avoiding pitfalls when ordering
There are a number of pitfalls you must try to avoid when purchasing an access control system for lockers.
Vendor Lock-in: Some suppliers work with closed systems. You are then obliged to use their own passes or hire their maintenance crew. Choose a system with open protocols and interoperability. Ask explicitly for the API documentation.
Offline functionality: What happens if the internet goes down? A good system has a local cache or fallback option so that employees can still open their locker. Cloud-only systems that do not work offline at all are no longer an option for business-critical processes in 2026.
Scalability: Do you start with 50 lockers but grow to 500? Test whether the system can handle this scale without the database architecture having to be completely overhauled. A modular system, such as Olssen’s, is set up for this.
In terms of flexibility, there are various options. For organizations that focus on flexible working, a look at flexible work storage can help in finding the right configuration. Furthermore, if package processing plays an increasingly larger role, it is wise to delve into the available parcel storage providers to see how you can integrate these processes.
Implementation timeline
A project of this size requires time. A realistic plan in 2026 often looks like this:
- Week 1-4: Needs analysis & User Mapping. Who needs what?
- Week 5-8: Drafting the technical requirements specification (PvE). Specify the API connections.
- Week 9-12: Demos & Proof of Concept (PoC). Test the hardware and software in practice.
- Week 13+: Awarding and production. Note: delivery times vary from 8 to 20 weeks for custom work.
In conclusion: The choice for a ‘User access control locker’ in 2026 is a strategic IT choice. It requires a partner that not only supplies metal but understands how data, security, and user-friendliness come together. By choosing an integrated solution with open standards, you are ready for the future of hybrid working.
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