About Lesson
Identification of Actors of PayPal
In a system like PayPal, actors are the entities that interact with the system to either initiate an action or receive a service. These actors can be human users, external systems, or even administrative roles that communicate with PayPal’s functionalities. Each actor has specific goals or tasks they perform using the system.
1. Primary Actors
- Registered User (Customer)
This is the most common user of the PayPal system. A registered user can send or receive payments, check transaction history, link bank accounts or cards, and manage personal details.
- Merchant (Seller/Business Account Holder)
Merchants are users who receive payments for goods or services. They can also issue invoices, integrate PayPal as a checkout option on websites, and manage refunds or disputes.
- System Administrator
A technical or support staff member responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and updating the system. Admins handle backend configurations, user issues, fraud alerts, and compliance checks.
- Banking System / Financial Institution
External banking systems interact with PayPal to process withdrawals, deposits, and account verifications. This actor is critical in enabling money movement between PayPal and traditional bank accounts.
2. Secondary Actors
- Guest User
A person who uses PayPal to make a payment without registering. While limited in functionality, guest users are allowed for quick checkouts using card payments.
- Dispute Resolution Agent
In cases of disputes between buyers and sellers, a PayPal employee may act as a mediator to investigate and resolve the issue. This actor typically accesses logs, transaction data, and communication history.
- Payment Gateway / API Consumer
These are third-party systems or applications that connect with PayPal via APIs. Examples include e-commerce sites, mobile apps, or donation platforms that embed PayPal as a payment processor.
- Regulatory Bodies (Indirect Actor)
Though not interacting directly with the PayPal interface, government or financial authorities influence system design by imposing regulations such as AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) rules. Their requirements must be met through audits and data sharing.
Summary View
| Actor Type | Actor Name | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Registered User | Send, receive, and manage payments |
| Primary | Merchant | Receive payments, create invoices, issue refunds |
| Primary | System Administrator | Manage the system, handle issues, ensure security |
| Primary | Banking System | Process fund transfers between PayPal and banks |
| Secondary | Guest User | Make payments without account |
| Secondary | Dispute Resolution Agent | Handle buyer-seller conflicts |
| Secondary | API Consumer | Integrate PayPal into other platforms |
| Indirect | Regulatory Body | Ensure compliance with financial laws |
