The data could 'prove (to be) useful' [=people may eventually find that the data is helpful] in identifying future problems.
the 'useful life' of a satellite [=the amount of time during which a satellite is in good enough condition to be used]
Her pocketknife 'came in useful' [=(more commonly) 'came in handy'] when we needed to cut the tangled fishing line.
(..) He told me that he wanted me to learn at first hand something of the Saxon ways. The landscape, the buildings... and defenses. He said it would be useful when we returned to avenge him. Are you saying he wanted you to be our leader? ~ Look! ~ What? What? (..)2017 TvShow: Vikings Title: Revenge Season: 4 Episode 18
(..) "and a brilliant people..." "rising from this abyss." "I see the lives... for which I lay down my life..." "peaceful..." "useful, prosperous and happy." "I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts..." "and in the hearts of their descendants..." "generations hence." (..)2012 The Dark Knight Rises
(..) ...to tell you if I ever get a chance to meet you. Now I... Okay Billy, that was horrifying what you just did. Wanna make something useful? Go get me some bread crumbs. Whole grain. Go! Whole-wheat is not the same thing as whole grain, Billy! - Not the same, Billy! (..)2008 Bolt