The robustness of supply chains, i.e. their ability to cope with external and internal disruptions and disturbances, is of vital importance. The complicated interrelationships of supply chains’ robustness, complexity and efficiency are outlined and analyzed in the paper. Aiming to balance these aspects and to compare different supply chain settings in a reliable way, measures are provided for characterizing both structural and operational robustness / complexity of supply chains. A methodology and a framework for the holistic evaluation of supply chains’ robustness, complexity and efficiency are also highlighted. Their applicability is illustrated by the results of a case study on distribution networks, indicating that the three aspects can be balanced while mitigating the ripple effect.

供应链的健壮性，即其应对内部和外部干扰的能力至关重要。本文概述并分析了供应链的健壮性，复杂性和效率之间的复杂相互关系。为了平衡这些方面并以可靠的方式比较不同的供应链设置，提供了用于表征供应链的结构和运营稳健性/复杂性的措施。还重点介绍了对供应链的健壮性，复杂性和效率进行整体评估的方法和框架。通过配电网络案例研究的结果说明了它们的适用性，表明在减轻连锁反应的同时可以平衡这三个方面。