Option to remove 'blank' rows of data from the x axis of a control chart to improve visual appearance

[NBrammer]

What inspired this wish list request? We extract data from a LIMS data base where we store both the average and individual data measured on a part.  The rows in the data table for the average contain 1 data point for every 3-6 of the individuals column.  We want to be able to connect the data points on the control chart without the chart looking strange where there are blank rows.

Currently need to create a new batch number column for each parameter with a formula and value order in make the chart 'pretty'. 

What is the improvement you would like to see? 

Currently get this

Add a formula column (for each parameter) to achieve this

Why is this idea important? 

[mia_stephens]

Hi @NBrammer, thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like you'd like an alternative to de-selecting "include missing categories", which requires a batch number (or other categorical label) column. Is that right?

Alternatively, is it possible to script the creation of a batch number column when you're importing the data into JMP?  

[NBrammer]

Hi yes it is possible to script and often I do that but it does mean multiple pseudo batch number columns as cells missing from different rows for different columns so does get clunky especially for my users that don't use scripting or formulae.

Deselecting missing categories works ok for a few odd rows but not when there are lots of missing rows

[jszarka]

This is a good option to have as sometimes seeing missing data is informative, and in other instances like what @NBrammer wants is to clean up the graph. My clunky workaround currently is to add a dummy local data filter for Y, which defaults to the min/max of that variable. By clicking in the space, it will clean up the graph as desired. It is not an ideal workaround as a future subgroup that is beyond the initial range where the dummy local data filter is set (e.g., Y=20 below) will be mistakenly filtered out as well without making adjustments in JSL.