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.
(..) has his library records fed to the FBl. Wait. How is this legal? Legal. Illegal. These terms don't apply. You can't use the information directly. It's just a useful guide. It might sound silly, but you can't get a library card without an ID... and a current phone bill. See? - So they run our list. (..)1995 Se7en