Identification of Actors – Elevator System

In system analysis, actors are entities (users or systems) that interact with the system, either by providing input or receiving output. In the case of the Elevator System, we identify both primary users and supporting/system actors, each having specific roles and interactions.

1. Passenger (Primary Actor)

This is the end-user who uses the elevator to travel between floors.

Interacts by:

• Pressing floor buttons inside the cabin.
• Pressing up/down call buttons on different floors.
• Using the emergency button or alarm when needed.

Receives feedback from:

• Floor display panels.
• Audio and visual alerts (like “door closing” or overload warnings).

2. Maintenance Technician (Supporting Actor)

A person responsible for inspecting, repairing, or manually operating the elevator during servicing.

Interacts with:

• Diagnostic tools and interfaces.
• Manual override controls.
• Fault or error logs for system debugging.

Requires access to restricted components like the control panel or machine room.

3. Elevator Control System (System Actor)

The internal software and hardware that governs the elevator’s decision-making.

Performs:

• Scheduling and queuing of floor requests.
• Controlling the motor, door, and indicators.
• Handling exceptions like overload or emergency stop.

This actor may be subdivided further into subsystems such as:

• Movement Controller
• Door Controller
• Request Manager

4. Building Security / Fire Control System (External System Actor)

External systems that may need to interact with the elevator in special scenarios like:

• Fire Mode: Sends commands to bring the elevator to the ground floor.
• Security Control: Restricts access to certain floors (e.g., executive floors).

This interaction ensures compliance with building safety protocols.

5. Administrator / Monitoring System (Supporting Actor)

Used by building management or software administrators to:

• View logs and statistics (e.g., number of trips, maintenance due dates).
• Configure elevator settings (e.g., peak-hour logic).
• Receive alerts in case of faults or misuse.

Optional Actors (Based on Features)

• Disabled User: May have special interaction needs, like pressing longer to activate voice assistance or using smart access cards.

• IoT Devices / Smart Home Systems: In smart buildings, floors can be requested from a mobile app or voice assistant, acting as a virtual actor.