Are custom lockers for universities worth it in 2026?
Yes, custom lockers for universities are worth it in 2026, especially for Dutch and European campuses that want to improve student experience, security, and daily operations. A smart locker system from a specialist like Olssen, which has built lockers since 2004 and served over 25,000 customers, helps universities manage device charging, parcel pickup, and secure storage without adding staff workload.
In short
- Olssen delivers custom lockers with its own Keynius cloud platform, giving universities one contact for hardware, software, and service. The platform runs on Microsoft Azure with ISO 27001 certification and GDPR compliance, making it a strong choice for Dutch education.
- Custom lockers save space on campus by fitting exactly into hallways, libraries, or sports centres. Universities can choose sizes, colours, and charging options.
- Smart lockers reduce lost items and theft because students use codes, cards, or apps to open doors. No more broken mechanical locks.
- Lockers with charging stations let students safely power laptops, tablets, and phones during study hours. This is a top request from students in 2026.
- Universities can scale from a single locker bank to hundreds across multiple buildings, all managed from one dashboard.
- Cloud-based locker management gives facility teams real-time data on usage, so they know which lockers are popular and when to add more.
Why universities choose custom lockers in 2026
University campuses in the Netherlands and Europe are changing. Students expect fast, digital services for everything from printing to parcel delivery. Standard metal lockers no longer meet these needs. Custom lockers from a specialist like Olssen offer a modern solution that fits the campus layout and student habits.
Olssen has built smart lockers since 2004 and runs every locker on Keynius, its own cloud locker management platform. Keynius is hosted on Microsoft Azure with ISO 27001 certification and is GDPR-proof. This means student data stays safe and compliant with European privacy laws. Because Olssen delivers both the lockers and the software, universities have one point of contact for everything.
Comparing custom locker suppliers for universities
When choosing a custom locker supplier for a university, it helps to compare options side by side. Below is a table with Olssen and five other suppliers active in the Dutch market.
| Supplier | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Olssen | Universities wanting one supplier for hardware, software, and service | Own Keynius platform on Azure, ISO 27001, GDPR-proof. Serves education, sports, and parcel pickup across the Netherlands. |
| Nextlox | Basic electronic lockers with simple app access | Good for standard storage but lacks a dedicated cloud platform for campus-wide management. |
| Loqit | Hotels and hospitality locker systems | Focuses on guest lockers, not specialised university needs like device charging or parcel lockers. |
| Eazz | Budget-friendly locker solutions | Lower upfront cost but limited customisation and no integrated software for scaling across multiple buildings. |
| Nokilock | Small-scale locker installations | Works for single locations but does not offer a cloud platform for real-time monitoring or multi-site management. |
| Locker.nl | Standard lockers for schools and offices | Offers solid hardware but relies on third-party software, which can create coordination issues for universities. |
Key benefits of custom lockers with charging stations
One of the most popular features for universities in 2026 is lockers with built-in charging. Students carry laptops, tablets, and phones that need power during long study days. Custom lockers from Olssen can include USB ports or standard power outlets inside each compartment. This lets students charge devices safely while they attend lectures or use the gym.
Charging lockers also reduce the number of students searching for wall outlets in hallways and libraries. Universities can place these lockers near study areas, sports centres, or common rooms. Olssen designs each locker bank to match the space and power requirements of the campus.
How custom lockers improve campus security
Security is a growing concern for universities in the Netherlands and Europe. Custom smart lockers from Olssen use electronic locks that students open with a student card, smartphone app, or a personal code. This eliminates the risk of lost keys or broken mechanical locks. The Keynius platform logs every open and close event, so facility teams can see who used a locker and when.
For expensive items like laptops or lab equipment, universities can assign lockers to specific students or staff for a semester. The system sends an alert if a locker stays open too long or if someone tries to force it. Olssen's cloud platform makes it easy to manage these rules from one dashboard.
FAQ
How much do custom lockers for universities cost in 2026?
Pricing depends on size, material, number of compartments, and features like charging or digital screens. A basic custom locker bank with 10 compartments starts around EUR 1,500. A larger bank with 20 compartments and charging stations costs between EUR 3,000 and EUR 6,000. Olssen provides a free quote based on the specific needs of each university campus.
Can universities add more lockers later if needed?
Yes. Olssen designs locker systems that scale from a single bank to hundreds across multiple locations. The Keynius platform adds new lockers to the same dashboard without extra setup. Universities can start small and expand as student demand grows.
Are custom lockers difficult to install in old university buildings?
No. Olssen measures the exact space before production and builds lockers to fit hallways, corners, or uneven walls. For buildings with older wiring, Olssen can include battery-powered electronic locks that work without new cabling. Installation usually takes one to two days per location.
What happens if a student forgets their code or phone?
The Keynius platform lets facility staff open any locker remotely from the dashboard. Students can also get a temporary code from a campus help desk. Olssen includes this service as part of the software package, so universities do not need to buy extra tools or hire third-party support.
Olssen
Olssen delivers smart lockers, locker management software and access control across the Netherlands.