Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for image delivery in a picture archiving and communication system. Certain embodiments provide a method for transferring image data via a delivery chain for display at a client workstation. The method includes creating a data list describing image data to be delivered to implement an imaging workflow. The method includes establishing a general loading plan to specify a recommended priority for delivery of the image data in the data list. The method includes generating a node loading plan for each node in the delivery chain based on the general loading plan. The method includes reconciling at least one of the general loading plan and the node loading plan. The method includes delivering the image data via the nodes of the delivery chain based on the general loading plan, the node loading plan for each node in the delivery chain, and the data list.