The parameter space of beam shaping methods for laser driven processes is getting broader looking at spatial light modulators or coherent beam combining. While systems technology is improving, the knowledge on using beam shaping is mostly empirical driven and not - yet - based on a comprehensive understanding of causalities in the process physics. This presentation will, based on a comprehensive literature study, show some fundamental thoughts on how to connect beam shaping to process physics. To do so, laser deep welding is used as an example process, ready to be improved. In the presentation systems technology will be touched and compared. A process driven view on beam shaping will be developed and then connected to systems technology. Own research results will be used to underline the hypotheses given.