(NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — Lockmaker Sargent and Greenleaf (S&G) has reorganized its management team in preparation for rolling out a new line of products in 2004.

"Our electronic locks have set the standard, and that's great," said Bill Dempsey, chief operating officer, in a news release. "Now it's time to show our customers and business partners that we're poised to bring a similarly high level of innovation to other safety and security applications."

Following the promotion of S&G's long-time president Jerry Morgan to chairman and chief executive, the company promoted Dempsey, its former executive vice president, to serve as president and chief operating officer.

This year Sargent and Greenleaf will introduce its ASK System, which is being successfully implemented throughout Europe, in North America. Featuring a simple touchscreen interface, PIN and swipe card operation and low maintenance design, the system eliminates the use of keys for safe deposit boxes, as well as high-security lockers and cabinets, Dempsey said.

Sargent and Greenleaf will launch its second-generation A-Series ATM Access Management System. Using a Microsoft SQL2000 database design, the system enables centralized access control of an ATM network and helps maximize ATM uptime, according to the release.

Another key feature is accurate audit trails due to the elimination of time drift problems. The system will also save users money and logistical headaches by elimninating bank user keys.

Sargent and Greenleaf also plans to unveil one of its most ambitious products to date, the IP Series remote security management system. Using a LAN/WAN network platform, the IP Series system provides remote management of electronic locks throughout a user's entire enterprise.

The system can also be connected to security cameras, sensors and other peripherals, enabling fully integrated security management and real-time monitoring of all lock activity. The new system will debut during the Sicur Show in Spain this February.

"Through our new product launches this year, we're moving beyond on-location security and using our expertise in electronic security solutions to develop products that focus on full-enterprise security integration, regardless of application," Dempsey said in the release.

In addition to Dempsey's promotion, other personnel changes at S&G include: 18-year company veteran Bryan Callihan, most recently the company's manager of accounting, is now corporate controller. New hire Phil Pitt, who has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and product management including stints with Source Technologies and with Lexmark International, will serve as marketing manager.

The company named 17-year S&G employee Ned Urschel vice president of sales. Urschel, who was previously vice president of product and market development, will oversee the company's sales activities in the United States, Europe and Asia. Taking Urschel's place as manager of product development will be Michael Clark.