I am using visual basic for an application that searches an ODBC database for information and stores the information on an ms access database. From this application I shell open a word document and then Sendkeys() to merge the word doc with the data stored on the access database. I also send keys to close the document and bring the user back the VB application.

The problem arises when the application sends keys prematurely before Word is finished with its current process. Is there an API that can tell you when an external process is complete before continuing on with the executed code? I've tried using a timer but depending on how many documents will be merged requires more time or less. If there is not an API that does this effectively... Is there some other way??