Building a Reusable Data Prep and Analysis Sequence Using Workflow Builder - Part 2

This example goes through a way to create an arrow chart and save it as a JMP Workflow.  It is based on creating an Arrow Chart proposed by Nick Desbarats. 

See how to:

• Open Workflow Builder and import data
• Modify the table and examine the Workflow Builder collection steps
• Examine the Step Action Timeline and code
• Run JSL for a custom action you want to include in the flow
• Build a prompt for a missing dataset
• Use Advanced tab options for importing workflow
• Export Workflows (.jmpflow) and create Workflow packages

Questions answered by Mike Anderson @MikeD_Anderson , Scott Wise @scwise and Ryan Cooper @ryan_cooper at the live webinar:

Q: When he was modifying his data table, what is the meaning of 'lag'?

A:  "Lag" means we're taking the value from a previous row in a specified column to use in our formula. Lags can be specified with a number for how many rows above the current one you want the value of. In this case, Mike was using 1 row above.

Q: What did he do with the region column and why did he need that to calculate the difference column?

A: In this example, Mike used it to launch a new column formula (launched a New Column Formula shortcut from the Column header) so he can do a fancier Percent Difference conditional formula calculation.

Q: Is everything we can do in JMP captured by Workflow Builder?

A: The vast majority of JMP capabilities are handled. Some of the DOE capabilities are not. Manage Limits in the Quality Platform and Saving the Column Property may require a custom script.  Saving to different formats is not totally capturable, but the Scripting index shows how to do that.

Q: How can you share Workflows?

A: You can email the .jmpflow or create a Workflow package with or without datasets.  If the Workflow can't find a dataset, it will ask you for it.  If Workflow Builder sees that there is a difference in your data file (say you modified it in Excel), it will stop running at that step and ask you to make a modification. See below.

Q: Is there value to sharing the script behind the Workflow?

A: Yes, another way to share the Workflow builder is just to export the JSL script. It also automatically inserts the notes in between the steps for you in green as comments.     

Creating JSL Script to save Workflows in other formatsCreating JSL Script to save Workflows in other formats

Q: Can I edit the Workflow?

A: Yes, you can edit the JSL.  And, you can rerecord any step in the Workflow.

Rerecord Workflow stepsRerecord Workflow steps

Resources

• Nick Desbarats' Statistically Speaking keynote, How to Choose a Chart Type (It's Tricker than you Think)
• Discovery Summit presentation on using the Reference Manager in Workflow Builder
• Documentation for using Workflow Builder
• Part 1 - Building a Reusable Data Prep and Analysis Sequence Using Workflow Builder