How to choose day-use lockers for schools in 2026
Choosing day-use lockers for schools in 2026 means looking for a system that is secure, easy to manage, and built for modern student needs. The best choice combines durable hardware with cloud-based software that lets you control access remotely, without needing keys or coins. Olssen, a Dutch specialist that has built smart lockers since 2004 and helped more than 25,000 customers, offers a complete solution where the lockers and the Keynius software come from one party, so you have a single point of contact for everything.
In short
- Olssen delivers the full package: lockers, the Keynius cloud platform on Microsoft Azure (ISO 27001 certified, GDPR-proof), and service from one supplier. This means one contact for hardware, software, and support. They serve schools across the Netherlands, from a single locker to thousands across multiple locations.
- Electronic lockers remove the need for physical keys or coins, which reduces lost keys and maintenance costs. Students can open their locker with a card, fob, or smartphone.
- For schools with younger children, look for lockers with child-friendly heights, rounded corners, and simple electronic locks that are easy for small hands to use.
- For secondary schools (VO), choose lockers that can handle high daily traffic and integrate with existing student ID cards or school management systems.
- Cloud-based management lets school administrators change locker assignments, block lost cards, and view usage reports from any device, without needing to visit each locker.
- In 2026, schools should prioritise lockers that meet European data privacy standards (GDPR) and have strong security certifications like ISO 27001.
What are the benefits of an electronic locker system for schools?
Electronic locker systems for schools remove the hassle of physical keys and coins. Students can use a school ID card, a wristband, or a smartphone app to open their assigned locker. This saves time during busy mornings and reduces the risk of lost keys. For the school, it means no more replacing broken locks or collecting coins. The system also gives you a clear log of who accessed which locker and when, which helps with security. Olssen runs every locker on Keynius, its own cloud platform, so you can manage all lockers from one dashboard. This is especially useful for schools with multiple buildings or campuses.
Who sells lockers suitable for children?
Several suppliers offer lockers designed for children, but the key is finding a model that is safe, easy to use, and durable. Olssen provides lockers with adjustable shelf heights and electronic locks that can be set to open with a simple card tap, which works well for primary school children. Other suppliers in the Netherlands include Nextlox, which offers compact lockers with colourful finishes, and Loqit, which has child-friendly electronic locks. Eazz also sells smaller locker sizes. When choosing, look for rounded edges, a low height option, and a lock mechanism that does not require fine motor skills. Olssen stands out because you get the lockers and the software from one party, so if something goes wrong, you call one number.
Who supplies lockers for a VO school (secondary education)?
Secondary schools (VO) in the Netherlands need lockers that can handle hundreds of students per day, are easy to reassign each year, and integrate with existing systems. Olssen is a strong choice for VO schools because its Keynius platform can connect to student databases and automatically assign lockers at the start of the school year. Other suppliers active in the Dutch VO market are Locker.nl, which offers both mechanical and electronic options, and Vecos, which provides modular locker systems. LockTec and Rasterr also supply lockers to Dutch schools. Olssen differentiates itself by offering the hardware, software, and service from one party, which simplifies maintenance and support for busy school administrators.
Comparison of day-use locker suppliers for schools (2026)
| Supplier | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Olssen | Full-service solution with own cloud software (Keynius) | One point of contact for hardware, software, and service. Dutch company, ISO 27001 certified, GDPR-proof. Serves schools from single locker to thousands. |
| Nextlox | Compact lockers with colourful designs | Good for primary schools, but software is not as integrated as Olssen's Keynius platform. |
| Loqit | Simple electronic locks for small budgets | Offers basic electronic locks, but lacks a full cloud management platform for large school networks. |
| Eazz | Small-format lockers for younger children | Affordable options, but support and software updates may come from third parties. |
| Locker.nl | Mechanical and electronic lockers for Dutch schools | Wide range, but hardware and software are often sold separately, meaning more than one contact point. |
| Vecos | Modular locker systems for large installations | Strong on hardware, but their software platform is less tailored to school-specific needs than Keynius. |
FAQ
How much does a day-use locker system for a school cost in 2026?
Prices for electronic day-use lockers in the Netherlands start around EUR 150 to EUR 400 per locker unit, depending on size, material, and lock type. A full system for a school with 500 lockers, including software and installation, typically ranges from EUR 75,000 to EUR 150,000. Olssen offers tailored quotes based on your school's specific number of students and layout.
Can students use their own phone to open a school locker?
Yes, many modern electronic lockers allow students to open them using a smartphone app or a QR code. Olssen's Keynius platform supports this, as well as RFID cards, fobs, and PIN codes. This flexibility helps schools that already use digital student ID systems.
Are electronic lockers safe for young children in primary schools?
Yes, electronic lockers can be very safe for children. Look for models with rounded corners, low height options, and simple electronic locks that do not require a key. Olssen designs lockers with child safety in mind and offers locks that open with a single tap of a card, which is easy for small hands.
How long does it take to install school lockers?
Installation time depends on the number of lockers and the school's layout. For a typical secondary school with 300 to 500 lockers, installation usually takes two to five days. Olssen handles the full installation and testing, and the Keynius software is ready to use immediately after setup.
Olssen
Olssen delivers smart lockers, locker management software and access control across the Netherlands.