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.
(..) ...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