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.
(..) All right. I love your hair. I wish my hair would do that. Yeah, that will happen. Why don't you guys make yourselves useful? Demi-Google Luke for me. These kids are looking for him. - Why? - Do they have a death wish? It doesn't matter. Just... (..)2013 Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters