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.
(..) here if you ever wanted to. All of our employees are political refugees, just like you! There's Hannah over here. She's from El Salvador. She's a really useful member of our team. Useful as what? A coat hanger? - Come on. - Allison, that's not funny. Okay. I tell you what, (..)2012 The Dictator