xAPI captures statements like "Maria completed Forklift Safety" and stores them in a Learning Record Store (LRS). Unlike SCORM, it is not limited to a browser-based course launched from an LMS, so it can track simulations, mobile, on-the-job, and offline activity.
Use SCORM when you need maximum LMS compatibility for a self-contained course; use xAPI when you need to track richer or non-traditional learning experiences and analyze the data centrally. See SCORM vs xAPI for the trade-offs.