Katie Mehnert, center, and her daughter pose with members of the Energy Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Photo courtesy of Katie Mehnert

Oil and gas operations are commonly found in remote locations far from company headquarters. Now, it's possible to monitor pump operations, collate and analyze seismic data, and track employees around the world from almost anywhere. Whether employees are in the office or in the field, the internet and related applications enable a greater multidirectional flow of information – and control – than ever before.