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.
(..) you can teach us. I may go next year. You must see Greenwich Village. It's our Left Bank. People there think, and do things. Useful things. - Do you live in Greenwich Village? - Of course. Then I will come. Perhaps we can do useful things together. I'm sure that in all America (..)1957 Funny Face