US Patent 8418178 Evaluation of synchronization gateways in process models

A system may include a thread monitor that is arranged and configured to monitor progress of multiple threads of a workflow process at a synchronization point with each of the threads having a state, and configured to generate at least one inspection trigger for inspection of the threads. A thread inspector may inspect the threads at the synchronization point for a change in the state in any of the threads in response to the inspection trigger. A firing rules engine may determine whether or not the synchronization point should fire based at least in part on the change in the state of at least one of the threads.