In accordance with various embodiments, systems and methods that integrate pipeline processing into a SCIM are provided. Such a system can include a plurality of applications, executing on one or more application servers. Each application server operates on one or more microprocessors. The system can further include a SCIM, which is operable to manage activation of the plurality of applications in one or more application chains. Each application chain can include pipeline blocks comprising two or more back-to-back applications and the two or more applications in each pipeline block can be activated in a same order in a forward and a backwards direction.