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.
(..) Artificial Intelligence. - You never even hesitated. - Look, it's been a really long day, like, Eugene O'Neill long, so how's about we skip to the part where you're useful? Look me in the eye and tell me you're going to shut him down. - You're not the director of me. (..)2015 Avengers: Age of Ultron